Magnetic Coupling for Hermetic Endoscope Power Transmission

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Solution Overview

Problem

Endoscopes in medical imaging systems are passive devices due to structural requirements for sterilization, stability, and mechanical connections, preventing them from being electrically active, which limits their functionality and reliability.

Innovation Solution

A medical device system with a first member and a second member, each equipped with electrical elements and proximity sensors, allowing for dynamic switching of electrical polarity based on relative position, enabling continuous electrical contact throughout 360° rotation and maintaining a hermetic seal.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If endoscopes use mechanical connections for sterilization and stability, then reliability and ease of manufacture are improved, but electrical functionality is lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection reliabilityVSAvoidelectrical functionality

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical electrical contacts with a magnetic coupling system. Magnets embedded in the endoscope and corresponding magnetic sensors in the camera head enable wireless power and data transmission, eliminating the need for physical electrical connectors while maintaining connection reliability during sterilization and rotation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces magnetic fields as an intermediary between the endoscope and camera head. Magnetic coupling elements and sensors act as mediators to transfer electrical energy and signals without direct physical contact, allowing the endoscope to maintain hermetic sealing while achieving electrical functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If endoscopes are made electrically active, then functionality and reliability are improved, but structural complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrical functionalityVSAvoidstructural complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent embeds magnetic coupling elements directly within the existing endoscope structure and integrates magnetic sensors into the camera head housing. This nesting approach incorporates electrical functionality without adding external components, maintaining compact design while achieving electrical activity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The magnetic coupling system serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides wireless power transmission, data communication, and maintains hermetic sealing. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate mechanical electrical connectors and simplifies the overall structure despite adding electrical capabilities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Ease of manufacture

If endoscopes require hermetic sealing for sterilization, then ease of manufacture and reliability are improved, but electrical connections become difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesterilization capabilityVSAvoidelectrical connectivity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent eliminates mechanical electrical penetrations through the endoscope housing by using magnetic coupling for wireless power and data transmission. This allows the housing to maintain complete hermetic sealing for sterilization while achieving full electrical functionality through non-contact magnetic fields.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

Magnetic fields serve as an intermediary that transfers energy and signals across the hermetic barrier without physical penetration. The magnetic coupling elements on one side of the seal and sensors on the other enable electrical connectivity while preserving the integrity of the hermetic seal for sterilization purposes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

Enables the endoscope to become electrically active, enhancing reliability and functionality while allowing for easy manipulation and rotation, overcoming the limitations of passive mechanical connections.

Implementation Method 1

The distinct electrical elements of the second member are connected to a dynamically switchable electrical circuit, the circuit including the proximity sensors

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectProximity sensing:

Implementation Method 2

The proximity sensors are preferably magnetic in nature

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic field sensing: Magnetic Field

Data Source

PatentUS9468363B2Power supply through a single track of discrete electrodes and method therefor

Publication Date: 2016.10.18 STRYKER CORP

AI summary

At least two distinct electrical members each having electrical elements are provided. The electrical members are moveable with respect to each other and one or more sensors determine the relative position of the electrical members. The electrical members may be used in a medical device such as an endoscopic system.