Flexible Connector Ring for Videoscope Orientation and Drop Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for a video processing apparatus that can accommodate various videoscope technologies and adapt to different orientations, particularly in diverse medical settings with varying lighting conditions, to effectively receive and present image data from medical videoscopes.
Innovation Solution
A portable video processing apparatus with a connector ring made of flexible material, featuring visual and alignment indicators, which allows for easy connection and orientation of videoscope cables, and a housing design that supports default and inverted orientations, enabling compatibility with different videoscope technologies and facilitating updates over time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a rigid connector ring is used, then structural stability is improved, but damage from accidental drops increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connector ring is made of flexible material that can bend and deform to absorb impact energy from accidental drops, preventing damage to the videoscope connector and monitor connector. The flexibility allows the ring to act as a shock absorber while maintaining connection integrity.
2Ease of manufacture
If a fixed connector design is used, then manufacturing simplicity is improved, but adaptability to different videoscope technologies decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The connector ring design incorporates a universal interface that can accommodate different videoscope connector types (e.g., Lumenis, Olympus, Stryker) through a standardized monitor connector interface. The flexible material and geometric design allow the same connector ring to work with multiple videoscope technologies without requiring custom designs for each type.
3Ease of operation
If alignment indicators are added to the connector ring, then ease of connection is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connector ring incorporates visual alignment indicators such as colored markings or geometric patterns that align with corresponding indicators on the videoscope connector. These indicators provide intuitive visual feedback to users during connection, ensuring proper alignment without requiring complex mechanical alignment mechanisms.
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 2a~2c
Figure 3a~3b
AI summary
A connector ring includes a retention portion; an intermediate portion; and a plug hood made of a flexible material, the intermediate portion connecting the retention portion to the plug hood, wherein the retention portion and the plug hood are larger in cross-section than the intermediate portion in at least one radial extent. The connector ring can be removably attached to a video processing apparatus through an aperture in a wall of the video processing apparatus.