Wireless Endoscope Power Transmission via Magnetic Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing endoscope systems face operability issues due to cables connecting devices, which hinder operator performance and increase the risk of electromagnetic interference.
Innovation Solution
An endoscope system that wirelessly transmits high-frequency power using a transmission coil and reception coil, eliminating the need for physical cables and allowing for efficient power delivery to treatment tools inserted through a flexible endoscope channel.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a cable is connected to supply power to devices, then power can be delivered reliably, but the cable disturbs operator's operations and reduces operability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical cable connection system with an electromagnetic field-based wireless power transmission system. A transmission coil in the endoscope generates a magnetic field that induces current in a reception coil of the treatment tool, eliminating the need for physical cable connections and thereby removing the operational disturbance caused by cables.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces electromagnetic fields as an intermediary medium to transfer power between the endoscope and treatment tool. The transmission coil converts electrical energy to magnetic field energy, which then induces electrical current in the reception coil, serving as a non-contact intermediary for power delivery.
2Power
If a cable is connected to supply power, then power can be transmitted, but electromagnetic interference risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes the cable-based electrical connection with electromagnetic induction-based wireless power transfer. This eliminates the conductive path that could serve as an antenna for electromagnetic interference, thereby reducing the risk of EMI while maintaining power transmission capability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the treatment tool is inserted deep within the endoscope channel, then treatment access is improved, but coupling between transmission and reception coils becomes unstable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic resonance frequency adjustment to maintain stable coupling. The system detects the coupling state between transmission and reception coils and adjusts the oscillation frequency dynamically to maintain resonance, ensuring reliable power transmission even when the treatment tool is inserted deeply into the flexible channel.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operating parameters of the electromagnetic system by adjusting the oscillation frequency of the transmission coil to match the resonant frequency of the reception coil. This parameter adjustment optimizes the coupling efficiency and maintains stable power transmission regardless of the treatment tool's position within the channel.
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
Enhances operability by reducing cable interference and improving power transmission efficiency, while maintaining stable coupling between the transmission and reception coils, even when the treatment tool is inserted deep within the endoscope channel.
Implementation Method 1
a power transmission unit (19) including a first solenoid coil (18) wound around an outer circumference of the channel (14)... for generating an AC magnetic field to be applied to an inside of the channel (14)
Implementation Method 2
a power reception unit (29) including a second solenoid coil (28)... capable of being inductively coupled to the AC magnetic field generated in the first solenoid coil (18)
Implementation Method 3
forming a first resonance circuit having a resonant frequency identical to a frequency of high-frequency power... forming a second resonance circuit having a resonant frequency identical to that of the first resonance circuit
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~4
Figure 5A~6
AI summary
An endoscope system 1G includes a flexible endoscope 10, a treatment tool 20, and a power supply 30. The flexible endoscope 10 has a power transmission unit 19 including a first coil 18 wound around a flexible channel 14 to convert power from the power supply 30 into an AC magnetic field, and the treatment tool 20 has a power reception unit 29 including a second coil 28 arranged in a position of receiving power most efficiently in a state where a treatment unit 22 projects from an opening 14B.