Separable Fiber Optic Slip Ring Joint for Unlimited Arm Rotation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing surgical support systems in operating rooms face limitations in allowing for large data transfer rates while enabling full and easy adjustability due to restricted joint rotation, which can damage wiring and hinder data transmission.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of an infinite rotation fiber optic and slip ring joint that allows for unlimited rotation of surgical support systems, facilitating seamless data and power transmission through a suspension arm assembly using a combination of fiber optics and slip rings.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If 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 joint is divided into a stationary part and a rotatable part, with the wiring system segmented into fixed wiring in the stationary part and rotating wiring in the rotatable part. This segmentation allows the fixed wiring to remain stationary while the rotatable part rotates, preventing wiring damage while enabling unlimited rotation and maintaining high data transfer rates.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A rotatable support structure acts as an intermediary between the stationary wiring and the rotating surgical equipment. The rotatable support includes a rotatable arm that can rotate indefinitely while carrying the wiring and equipment, serving as a mediator that allows both stationary wiring connection and rotating movement without compromising either.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If rotation of joints is limited using stops, then wiring twisting is prevented, but adjustability is hindered

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewiring protectionVSAvoidadjustability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The support system is segmented into stationary and rotatable portions, eliminating the need for rotational stops. The stationary part contains fixed wiring while the rotatable part can adjust to any position indefinitely, providing both wiring protection and full adjustability without contradiction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The joint transitions from a static, stop-limited rotation system to a dynamic system where the rotatable arm can rotate freely without mechanical stops. The wiring is dynamically managed through the rotatable support structure, allowing continuous adjustment while protecting wiring through proper routing and tension management.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Power

If wiring is extended fully through supports, then power and data transmission is enabled, but rotation range is restricted

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower and data transmissionVSAvoidrotation range

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The transmission system is segmented between the stationary part (containing fixed power and data wiring) and the rotatable part (containing rotating wiring). This allows full power and data transmission capability in the stationary portion while the rotatable portion provides unlimited rotation range, eliminating the restriction on rotation that would otherwise be imposed by fully extended wiring.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The rotatable support structure serves as an intermediary carrier that bridges the stationary wiring infrastructure and the rotating surgical equipment. It enables both complete power and data transmission from the stationary source and unlimited rotation range for the equipment, resolving the contradiction between transmission capability and rotation freedom.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

Enables unrestricted rotation of surgical equipment while maintaining high data transfer rates and secure power transmission, ensuring reliable operation and flexibility in surgical environments.

Implementation Method 1

infinite rotation fiber optic and slip ring joint

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOptical fiber transmission: Optical Fibre

Implementation Method 2

infinite rotation fiber optic and slip ring joint

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical conduction through slip rings: Conduction (electrical)

Data Source

PatentEP4443209B1Separable infinite rotation fiber optic and slip ring rotary joint for suspension arm

Publication Date: 2026.03.25 STRYKER CORP

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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 con-figured 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.