Endoscope Connector Magnetic Coupling Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing medical equipment for endoscopy procedures often requires multiple cables for light, fluid, and data signal transmission, leading to cumbersome connections, high insertion forces, and potential misalignment issues due to manufacturing tolerances and user error, with traditional locking mechanisms experiencing wear and dirt accumulation.
Innovation Solution
An endoscope connector and adapter system utilizing magnetic coupling elements and axially aligned electroconductive contacts to facilitate a single cable for light, fluid, and data transmission, reducing the number of connections and insertion forces, while ensuring precise alignment and minimizing mechanical wear.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional multiple cables and locking mechanisms are used for light, fluid, and data transmission, then reliable connection is achieved, but device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate due to cumbersome connections and high insertion forces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines light transmission, fluid transmission, and data signal transmission into a single integrated cable assembly. The connector housing contains multiple ports (light port, fluid port, electroconductive contacts) that all connect through one unified connection interface, eliminating the need for separate cables for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The single cable assembly serves multiple functions simultaneously: it transmits light, carries fluid, and conducts data signals through the same physical connection. The connector is designed to handle all these functions through a unified interface, making the connection system multi-functional.
2Stability of the object's composition
If traditional locking mechanisms are used to secure connections, then connection stability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to wear and dirt accumulation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical locking mechanisms with magnetic coupling elements. The magnets provide automatic attraction and alignment between the connector and adapter, eliminating the need for manual locking operations and reducing susceptibility to wear and contamination.
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic coupling system provides self-aligning and self-latching functionality. When the connector approaches the adapter, the magnetic force automatically guides alignment and secures the connection without requiring user intervention for locking or alignment adjustments.
3Reliability
If multiple separate connections are used for light, fluid, and data, then functional reliability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to cable entanglement and multiple connection points
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates light transmission, fluid transmission, and data signal transmission into a single cable assembly with multiple ports housed together. This unified structure eliminates cable entanglement and simplifies the connection process to a single action while maintaining all necessary functional connections.
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 system enables efficient, low-force, and reliable connection of endoscopes to external apparatuses, reducing cable entanglement and maintenance burdens, and improving user convenience by integrating power and signal transmission through a single interconnection mechanism.
Implementation Method 1
at least one first magnetic coupling element and at least one second magnetic coupling element
Data Source
AI summary
A system includes an endoscope connector and an endoscope adapter. The endoscope connector includes a first portion. The first portion includes a first magnetic coupling element and a first planar portion that is perpendicular to an axial direction of the endoscope connector. The endoscope adapter includes a second planar portion. The second planar portion includes a second magnetic coupling element and a substantially planar surface that is perpendicular to an axial direction of the endoscope adapter. The endoscope connector is non-mechanically attachable to the endoscope adapter using the first magnetic coupling element and the second magnetic coupling element. The first planar portion is alignable with the second planar portion such that: electroconductive contacts of the endoscope connector are axially aligned with electroconductive pins of the endoscope adapter and a port of the endoscope connector is axially aligned with a corresponding insertion port of the endoscope adapter.