Inductive Power Joint for Unrestricted Electrosurgical Rotation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrosurgical devices face limitations in rotational freedom due to electrical conductors extending along the shaft, which can impede the precise positioning of the end effector during medical procedures, and are prone to issues like tarnishing and fluid ingress affecting signal delivery.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a first coil in the handle as an inductive energy transmitter and a second coil on a rotatable member that can rotate freely, allowing for wireless electromagnetic energy transfer without the constraints of wires, enabling unrestricted rotation and maintaining signal integrity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If electrical conductors are extended along the shaft to deliver electrosurgical energy, then energy delivery is enabled, but rotational freedom is limited and positioning precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical electrical conductor system with an electromagnetic induction system. A first coil in the handle and a second coil on the rotatable member create a magnetic field that transfers energy wirelessly, eliminating the mechanical constraints of wires on the shaft while maintaining reliable energy delivery.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a magnetic field as an intermediary between the power source and the end effector. The first coil generates a magnetic field that couples with the second coil to transfer energy, serving as a non-contact mediator that enables rotation while maintaining signal integrity.
2Power
If electrical conductors are used along the shaft, then energy transfer is achieved, but contact tarnishing and fluid ingress occur affecting signal delivery
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the mechanical electrical contacts that are prone to tarnishing and fluid ingress by using electromagnetic induction. The wireless energy transfer through magnetic fields removes the contact interface entirely, preventing degradation from environmental factors while maintaining efficient energy transfer.
3Use of energy by moving object
If wires are extended through the shaft for power delivery, then energy supply is established, but unrestricted rotation cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the wired power delivery system with an electromagnetic induction system. The first coil in the handle and second coil on the rotatable member create a magnetic field that transfers power wirelessly, allowing the shaft to rotate freely without the constraints of physical wires.
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 solution allows for unrestricted rotation of the end effector and prevents issues related to electrical contact tarnishing and fluid ingress, ensuring consistent and effective delivery of electrosurgical energy during procedures.
Implementation Method 1
Inclining at least an axis of the first coil relative to an axis of the second coil may facilitate inductive coupling between the first coil and the second coil. In this way, the first coil may be used to inductively couple to the second coil, such as to allow for wireless transfer of energy therefrom to the end effector.
Data Source
AI summary
A user-held or otherwise supported electrosurgical device can include an endpiece, a fixed first coil or other electromagnetic energy transmitter or receiver and a rotatable second coil or other electromagnetic energy transmitter or receiver wirelessly energized by the first coil. The rotatable second coil can be affixed to a rotatable member extending distally from the endpiece. This can permit unrestricted rotation without being encumbered by wiring or electrical contacts across a plane of rotation.