Flexible PCB Stator for Compact Medical Transducer

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing medical and dental devices with electromechanical transducers face challenges in minimizing size and simplifying production while maintaining efficiency, as they require complex coil winding and assembly processes.

Innovation Solution

The use of a flexible printed circuit board with all coil windings integrated on a single board reduces the stator's diameter and simplifies assembly by eliminating the need for winding or soldering, while a compact design with a magnetic return path and protective layers enhances efficiency and protection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Power

If traditional coil windings are used in the stator, then the electromechanical transducer can generate sufficient output, but the dimensions of the stator and overall device become larger

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveoutputVSAvoidstator diameter
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from traditional three-dimensional coil windings to two-dimensional printed circuit board traces, fundamentally changing the dimensional approach to coil construction. This allows the stator windings to be planar rather than volumetric, reducing the stator diameter while maintaining effective winding area for power generation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs a flexible printed circuit board as the stator component, utilizing a thin film structure with conductive traces to replace traditional rigid coil windings. This thin-film approach significantly reduces the radial dimension of the stator while providing sufficient winding surface area to maintain power output capability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

2Ease of manufacture

If traditional coil winding methods are used, then the stator can be manufactured, but the production process becomes complex and costly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecoil assemblyVSAvoidassembly process
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple discrete coil winding operations into a single integrated printed circuit board manufacturing process. The conductive traces are formed simultaneously across the entire PCB during standard fabrication, eliminating the need for separate winding, insulation, and assembly steps for each coil section

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces mechanical coil winding processes with automated printed circuit board manufacturing processes. Instead of manual or automated wire winding and soldering operations, the conductive paths are created through standard PCB techniques such as copper deposition and etching, which are more precise and scalable

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 approach results in a compact, cost-effective electromechanical converter that can be easily integrated into medical devices, offering higher output and improved durability with reduced dimensions, such as a diameter of less than one centimeter capable of powering a light-emitting diode.

Implementation Method 1

a stator (5) with at least one coil winding (6A-6H)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP2704295B1Medical, in particular dental device with an electromechanic transducer
Publication Date: 2017.11.29 W & H DENTALWERK BURMOOS GMBH
  • EP2704295B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP2704295B1 patent drawingFigure 4A~5

AI summary

The device (1) has an electromechanical transducer such as particular a generator or an electrically operated motor. The electromechanical transducer with stator is provided with electrically conductive coil windings. The stator is formed on a rotor. The coil winding of the stator is provided on a flexible printed circuit board. The flexible printed circuit board is bent, in the form of a cylindrical hollow portion to form a cavity. The flexible printed circuit board is bent so that the coil windings are arranged in layers one above the other.