Instrument Coupling Interface With Shared Power and Sensor Lines
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing medical and dental instruments with electrically powered storage devices face challenges in simplifying the design of wired power supply and communication/data transmission, requiring compact and reliable components.
Innovation Solution
A medical or dental instrument component with a common electrical line for both lighting device and storage device power supply, and an optional separate data line for data transmission, along with a simplified coupling device reducing electrical contacts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate electrical lines are used for lighting device and storage device power supply, then each device can be independently powered, but the number of electrical lines and contacts increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the power supply for the lighting device and storage device into a single common electrical line. The control unit selectively allocates power along this common line to either the lighting device or storage device based on operational requirements, thereby reducing the number of electrical contacts while maintaining reliable power supply to both components.
Solution Approach 2:
The common electrical line serves multiple functions: it can supply power to the lighting device, power to the storage device, or both simultaneously depending on control signals. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate dedicated power lines for each component, simplifying the overall electrical architecture.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple electrical contacts are provided at the coupling interface, then all devices can be connected simultaneously, but the coupling device becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling device utilizes a reduced number of electrical contacts that serve multiple purposes. The common electrical line can be selectively configured to power different components, and the control unit manages the allocation to maintain full operational versatility despite the reduced contact count.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple power delivery functions are merged into a single common electrical line within the coupling interface. This consolidation reduces the number of physical contacts required while maintaining the ability to connect and power various components through intelligent control.
3Reliability
If separate electrical lines are used for power supply and data transmission, then power and data can be transmitted independently, but the number of electrical lines increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines power transmission and data transmission functions into the same electrical line. The control unit modulates the electrical line to carry both power to the storage device and data signals, enabling dual functionality without requiring separate dedicated lines for each purpose.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrical line connecting the coupling device to the control unit serves as both a power delivery path and a data communication channel. Through selective activation and signal modulation, the same physical infrastructure supports multiple transmission modes, reducing overall system complexity.
Data Source
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AI summary
Treatment device (11) comprising: two instrument parts (1, 1C, 1D) each with an instrument part controller (5B, 5C, 5D), at least one sensor (10, 10C, 10D) for generating a sensor signal, which is arranged in the first or second instrument part (1, 1C, 1D), and two electrical leads (6B, 6C), wherein the first and second instrument parts (1, 1C, 1D) are connected to each other, to an electrical power source (12), and to a control, regulating, or supply unit (4), wherein the first and second electrical leads (6B, 6C) are connectable to the instrument part controller (5B, 5C, 5D) in order to transmit electrical energy from the power source (12) to the first and second instrument part controller (5B, 5C, 5D), and wherein at least one of the first or the second lead (6B, 6C) with which at least one sensor (10, 10C, 10D) is connected, in order to transmit its sensor signal via the first or second electrical line (6B, 6C) to the control,to transfer to the control or supply unit (4).