Inductive Medical Instrument Interface for Electrical Isolation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electrical interfaces for medical instruments, such as endoscopes, complicate circuitry with the need for an electrical isolation barrier between the camera control unit and the instrument, which hinders data and power transfer efficiency and complicates the design.

Innovation Solution

A detachable interface system with a first and second connector that enables high data transfer rates, supports optical and electrical signal transmission, and includes an electrical isolation barrier, allowing for fluid, suction, air, and electrical signal connections, using inductive coupling for power transfer to maintain isolation without complex circuitry.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If an electrical isolation barrier is implemented between the camera control unit and the instrument, then electrical safety is improved, but circuitry complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrical safetyVSAvoidcircuitry complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an electrical isolation barrier as an intermediary component between the camera control unit and the medical instrument. This barrier acts as a mediator that allows data and power transfer while preventing harmful electrical interactions, thus improving electrical safety without requiring complete redesign of the entire system architecture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces traditional direct electrical connections with inductive coupling technology. By using magnetic fields for power and data transfer instead of direct electrical contacts, the system achieves electrical isolation while simplifying the overall circuitry design. The inductive coupling mechanism substitutes the need for complex isolation circuitry with a more elegant field-based transmission approach.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If inductive coupling is used for power transfer, then electrical isolation is maintained, but power transfer efficiency may be reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrical isolationVSAvoidpower transfer efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent optimizes inductive coupling power transfer efficiency by adjusting key parameters including operating frequency, coil geometry, and magnetic core materials. By carefully selecting and tuning these parameters, the system achieves high efficiency wireless power transfer while maintaining electrical isolation. The parameter optimization ensures that energy losses are minimized despite the indirect coupling mechanism.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If a detachable interface system is implemented, then adaptability is improved, but connection reliability may be reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinterface adaptabilityVSAvoidconnection reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple connection functions (data transfer, power transfer, fluid connection, and mechanical alignment) into a single integrated detachable interface. By merging these functions into one unified connector assembly, the system achieves both adaptability and reliability - the interface can be detached for different applications while maintaining secure, reliable connections when engaged through precise alignment features and multiple contact points.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 interface system facilitates efficient data and power transfer while maintaining electrical isolation, reducing the complexity of the camera control unit's circuitry and enabling robust connections for medical instruments.

Implementation Method 1

A first power transfer element mounted on the first connector... A second power transfer element mounted on the second connector... The first power transfer element and the second power transfer element are aligned in a power transfer orientation when the first connector and second connector are interfaced in the operating position

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectInductive coupling: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS10130241B2Apparatus and method of providing an interface to an electrically powered instrument

Publication Date: 2018.11.20 KARL STORZ IMAGING INC

AI summary

A first connector for a medical instrument has one or more first channels extending through a first surface, and terminating at respective ends. A second connector has opposing second channels for coupling with the first channels. A first power transfer element is mounted on the first connector, and defines a first cross-sectional shape that encompasses at least one of the one or more first channels and has a first central axis extending through the first surface. A second power transfer element on the second connector defines a second cross-sectional shape that encompasses at least one of the one or more second channels and has a second central axis extending through the second surface. The first power transfer element may instead be on a side surface of the first connector, and may couple with a paired element on a receptacle or extension of the second connector.