Separable Infinite Rotation Joint for Fiber Optic Suspension Arms

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing suspension arm assemblies in operating rooms face limitations in data transfer rate and adjustability due to restricted joint rotation, which hinders the efficient placement and operation of medical devices like surgical monitors and cameras.

Innovation Solution

A suspension arm assembly featuring infinite rotation joints that allow unlimited rotation, integrated with cabling systems including fiber optic cables for high-definition video, data, and power transfer, enabling seamless adjustment and data transmission across joints while maintaining connectivity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the rotation of joints is limited to allow wiring to extend fully through supports, then wiring damage is prevented, but data transfer rate is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewiring integrityVSAvoiddata transfer rate

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical wiring extensions with fiber optic cables that can transmit data at high speeds through the suspension arm joints. The fiber optic cables are routed through the infinite rotation joint mechanism, allowing unlimited rotation while maintaining high data transfer rates without the limitations of conventional wired connections

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the physical state and properties of the transmission medium by using fiber optic cables instead of conventional wires. This parameter change enables both unlimited rotation capability and high data transfer rates simultaneously, resolving the contradiction between wiring integrity and data transfer rate

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If the rotation of joints is limited using stops, then wiring twisting is prevented, but adjustability of medical devices is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewiring protectionVSAvoiddevice adjustability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical stop system with an infinite rotation joint design that incorporates fiber optic cables. This substitution eliminates the need for rotation limits while maintaining wiring protection, as the fiber optic cables can accommodate unlimited rotation without twisting or damage

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the rotational parameter of the joint from limited to unlimited by implementing the infinite rotation joint mechanism. This parameter change allows medical devices to be positioned and adjusted to any angle while the fiber optic wiring remains protected from damage

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If the rotation of joints is increased for larger range of motion, then device adjustability is improved, but wiring twisting and damage occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvejoint rotation rangeVSAvoidwiring integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent substitutes conventional wired connections with fiber optic cables integrated into the infinite rotation joint system. This substitution enables the joint to rotate through any angle without causing wiring twisting or damage, as fiber optic cables are inherently suited for unlimited rotation applications

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the wiring system's rotational tolerance parameter from limited to unlimited by implementing fiber optic cables. This parameter change allows the joint rotation range to be maximized for improved device adjustability while the wiring integrity is maintained through the inherent properties of fiber optic technology

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 enables high data transfer rates and full adjustability of medical devices, ensuring reliable surgical information transmission without damaging wiring, thus enhancing surgical operations.

Implementation Method 1

Cabling including at least one fiber optic cable extends through each of the suspension arms and each joint. High definition video, data and power can be transferred along each one of the suspension arms through the cabling and across each joint.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOptical fiber transmission: Optical Fibre

Data Source

PatentEP3461409B1Separable infinite rotation fiber optic and slip ring rotary joint for suspension arm

Publication Date: 2022.04.13 STRYKER CORP

Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3

AI summary

A suspension arm assembly including at least two members relatively rotatable about each other at a joint, with at least one of the joints comprising an infinite rotation joint. The infinite rotation joint allows the members at the infinite rotation joint to have unlimited rotation relative to one another. The infinite rotation joint is configured to pass at least an optical signal therethrough. The infinite rotation joint includes a stator and a rotor. At least two portions of the infinite rotation joint are separable and can automatically form a unit when adjacent arms are connected together such that the infinite rotation joint can be separated into the at least two portions. The at least two portions are configured to be automatically connected to allow the optical signal to pass therethrough once the at least two portions are engaged.