Endoscope Wireless Power Transmission via Capacitive Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing endoscope systems face operability issues due to the presence of power cables connected to devices like high-frequency incision forceps, which can hinder the operator's performance during procedures.
Innovation Solution
An endoscope system that uses wireless power transmission through a capacitive coupling between a power transmission electrode in the endoscope and a power reception electrode in the treatment tool, eliminating the need for physical cables and allowing for efficient power delivery to the treatment tool without interfering with the operator's operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a cable is connected to the treatment tool to supply power, then power can be delivered to the treatment device, but the cable disturbs the operator's operations and reduces operability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the power cable from the treatment tool by implementing wireless power transmission. The power transmission electrode is disposed in the endoscope insertion section, and the power reception electrode is disposed in the treatment tool insertion section, allowing power to be transmitted wirelessly through capacitive coupling. This removes the physical cable that was disturbing the operator's operations while maintaining reliable power delivery to the treatment device.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an electromagnetic field as an intermediary to transfer power between the endoscope and the treatment tool. The power transmission electrode generates an electromagnetic field that couples with the power reception electrode, serving as a mediator to deliver power without physical contact. This intermediary mechanism eliminates the need for a physical cable while ensuring stable power transmission.
2Ease of operation
If wireless power transmission is implemented through capacitive coupling, then cable-related disturbances are eliminated, but power transmission efficiency must be maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by concentrating the power transmission and reception functions at specific locations. The power transmission electrode is disposed in the endoscope insertion section, and the power reception electrode is disposed in the treatment tool insertion section, creating a localized capacitive coupling region. This localized arrangement ensures efficient power transmission by minimizing energy loss in the electromagnetic field while maintaining the wireless benefit.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes equipotentiality through capacitive coupling between the power transmission electrode and power reception electrode. By maintaining appropriate electrical potential differences and using the conductive properties of the electrodes and surrounding medium (such as saline solution in the body), the system achieves efficient power transfer through the capacitive field without significant energy loss.
3Extent of automation
If the power transmission electrode and power reception electrode are separated to form a capacitor, then wireless power transfer is enabled, but electromagnetic field leakage must be minimized
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the nesting principle by placing the power reception electrode within the treatment tool insertion section that is inserted into the endoscope channel, while the power transmission electrode is disposed in the endoscope insertion section. This nested arrangement creates a contained electromagnetic field between the electrodes, minimizing field leakage to the surrounding environment while enabling wireless power transfer.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the potentially harmful electromagnetic field into a beneficial power transmission medium. By using capacitive coupling between the separated electrodes, the electromagnetic field that could potentially leak is instead harnessed to transfer power efficiently. The field is confined between the electrodes and used constructively for power transmission, turning a potential hazard into a useful mechanism.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution enhances operability by reducing cable-related disturbances, maintaining high power transmission efficiency, and minimizing electromagnetic field leakage, while ensuring safe and effective energy delivery to the treatment area.
Implementation Method 1
a power reception electrode arranged to the treatment tool insertion section, wherein the power reception electrode is separated from the power transmission electrode to form a first capacitor to transfer power from the power source through an electric field between the power transmission electrode and the power reception electrode
Data Source
AI summary
An endoscope system having: an endoscope having: an endoscope insertion section configured to be inserted into a subject, wherein the endoscope insertion section defines a channel having a distal opening; and a power transmission electrode arranged to the endoscope insertion section and electrically connected to a power source configured to output a high-frequency power; and a treatment tool having: an electrically powered treatment device; a treatment tool insertion section attached to the electrically powered treatment device, wherein the treatment tool insertion section is configured to be arranged in the channel of the endoscope; and a power reception electrode arranged to the treatment tool insertion section, wherein the power reception electrode is separated from the power transmission electrode to form a capacitor to transfer power from the power source through an electric field between the power transmission electrode and the power reception electrode to power the electrically powered treatment device.