Endoscope Connector Coil Layout for Steam Sterilization Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing connector devices for endoscopes, which include a power reception coil, face stability issues due to deformation of the exterior case during steam sterilization, leading to misalignment of the power reception coil and reduced feeding efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A connector device with a hollow exterior case and a shield case that houses the power reception unit, which is positioned on the inner case wall to avoid direct exposure to heat cycles, ensuring accurate alignment and stability during sterilization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the power reception coil is disposed in the exterior case of the connector device, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the position of the power reception coil deviates from the initial position due to heat cycle deformation during sterilization, causing feeding efficiency to decrease and operation to become unstable
Solution Approach 1:
The connector device is divided into an exterior case and an inner case, with the power reception coil disposed on the inner case. This segmentation allows the inner case to be designed with higher dimensional stability to maintain coil positioning, while the exterior case can still be sterilized. The separation of functions between the two cases resolves the contradiction by isolating the precision component (coil) from the sterilization environment.
Solution Approach 2:
The inner case acts as an intermediary between the exterior case and the power reception coil. It provides a stable mounting surface for the coil while being protected from direct exposure to sterilization conditions. This intermediary structure prevents heat-induced deformation from affecting the coil position, thereby maintaining feeding efficiency and operational stability.
2Volume of moving object
If the power reception coil is disposed close to the surface connected to the processor device, then the structure is compact, but repeated steam sterilization causes the exterior case to deform, leading to misalignment of the coil and reduced feeding efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the connector device into exterior and inner cases, the patent maintains compact overall dimensions while creating a dedicated stable platform (inner case) for the power reception coil. The inner case's rigid structure ensures precise alignment is maintained even after repeated sterilization cycles, resolving the contradiction between compactness and alignment precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the material or structural parameters of the inner case to have superior thermal stability compared to the exterior case. This parameter change allows the inner case to resist deformation during sterilization, thereby maintaining the alignment precision of the power reception coil while keeping the overall device compact.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the connector device is exposed to high-temperature and high-pressure steam sterilization, then sterilization is effective, but the shape of the exterior case gradually deforms due to heat cycle, causing the power reception coil position to deviate
Solution Approach 1:
The inner case serves as a protective intermediary that shields the power reception coil from the harmful effects of steam sterilization. While the exterior case undergoes thermal cycling during sterilization, the inner case maintains its shape stability, preventing coil position deviation and ensuring continuous effective operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different quality requirements to different parts of the connector device. The inner case is designed with superior thermal stability and dimensional accuracy specifically for housing the power reception coil, while the exterior case is optimized for sterilization resistance. This local differentiation of quality allows effective sterilization while maintaining shape stability where critical.
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
The solution ensures stable operation of the endoscope by maintaining the alignment of the power reception coil, preventing efficiency decreases and operational instability caused by heat-induced deformation.
Implementation Method 1
a power reception unit to which power is supplied from a power feed unit of the processor device in a contactless manner
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
A connector device for an endoscope that can stably operate an endoscope is provided. A connector device (10) includes a hollow exterior case (20), a shield case (22) accommodated in the exterior case (20), and a power reception unit (24) to which power is supplied from a power feed unit (216) of a processor device (200) in a contactless manner. The exterior case (20) has a side wall part (32D) that faces the power feed unit (216). The shield case (22) has an inner case wall part (23) that is disposed to face and be spaced apart from the side wall part (32D). The power reception unit (24) is disposed on the inner case wall part (23).