Endoscope Magnetic Coupling for Hermetic Seal Integrity

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Solution Overview

Problem

Endoscopes with adjustable viewing directions face challenges in maintaining hermetic seals during autoclaving, as existing magnetic coupling methods often transmit torque, limiting the independent adjustment of viewing angles and rotations.

Innovation Solution

A magnetic coupling device with a rotationally symmetrical magnetic field, combined with a gear mechanism, allows for the transmission of forces parallel to the shaft while preventing torque transmission, enabling independent adjustment of viewing angles and rotations without affecting each other, and is integrated with an ergonomic handling device for intuitive operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If magnetic coupling is used to transmit forces through the hermetic seal, then force transmission is enabled, but torque is also transmitted which limits independent adjustment of viewing angles and rotations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehermetic seal integrityVSAvoidindependent adjustment capability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The magnetic coupling system is segmented into two independent functional pairs: one magnetic couple transmits only axial forces for angle adjustment, while another magnetic couple transmits only torques for rotation. This segmentation allows independent control of viewing angle and rotation without cross-interference, resolving the contradiction between hermetic seal integrity and independent adjustment capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs asymmetrical magnetic coupling where the force-transmitting magnetic couple and torque-transmitting magnetic couple are positioned and configured differently. The force couple uses magnets arranged to transmit axial forces only, while the torque couple uses magnets arranged to transmit rotational torques only. This asymmetrical configuration enables independent adjustment while maintaining hermetic seal.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #4Asymmetry

2Ease of operation

If a gear mechanism is used to convert rotary movement to axial movement, then viewing direction adjustment is enabled, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveviewing direction adjustmentVSAvoidmechanical mechanism complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex mechanical gear mechanisms with a magnetic coupling system that directly converts rotary movement of the actuating element into axial movement of the optical component. The magnetic field transmission through the hermetic seal eliminates the need for mechanical gears, reducing device complexity while maintaining ease of operation for viewing direction adjustment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The magnetic field acts as an intermediary between the actuating element outside the hermetic seal and the optical component inside the seal. This magnetic intermediary transmits force and movement without requiring direct mechanical contact or complex gear mechanisms, simplifying the overall device structure while enabling smooth viewing direction adjustment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If magnets are made axially displaceable and rotatable, then both axial forces and torques can be transmitted, but the system cannot prevent torque transmission when only force transmission is needed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveforce and torque transmission capabilityVSAvoidindependent adjustment

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The magnetic coupling system is divided into separate functional segments: one magnetic couple dedicated to axial force transmission for angle adjustment, and another magnetic couple dedicated to torque transmission for rotation. This segmentation allows the system to transmit only the required type of force or torque for each adjustment operation, preventing unwanted torque transmission during angle adjustment and maintaining independent adjustability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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 configuration allows for precise and independent adjustment of the endoscope's viewing direction, enhancing operational flexibility and safety by maintaining a hermetic seal during autoclaving and use, while simplifying handling and reducing mechanical complexity.

Implementation Method 1

a magnetic coupling device for magnetically transmitting a force parallel to the longitudinal axis of the shaft between the swivel actuation device and a force transmission device within the hermetically sealed enclosure

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic coupling: Magnetism

Data Source

PatentEP2735259B1Endoscope with adjustable view direction

Publication Date: 2022.03.23 KARL STORZ SE & CO KG

Figure 1~3
Figure 4~5

AI summary

The endoscope (10) has hermetically tight sheath (50) arranged around image transmission device (40). A swivel actuation device (70) is provided on manipulating device (30), to manually adjust angle between viewing direction and shaft longitudinal axis. A magnetic coupling device (80) is provided to magnetically transmit force parallel to shaft longitudinal axis. A rotation actuation device (60) is provided on manipulating device, to manually rotate viewing direction of shaft longitudinal axis relative to manipulating device.