Magnetic Endoscope Handpiece Coupling for Hygienic Attachment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing endoscopic instruments face challenges in achieving a simple and reliable coupling between the hand-piece and interface elements, particularly in ensuring hygienic design and ease of cleaning while allowing for adaptability.

Innovation Solution

The endoscopic instrument employs a magnet arrangement with a magnet arrangement that uses permanent magnets to provide a magnetic coupling between the hand-piece and interface elements, allowing for easy alignment and attachment, and a mechanical locking mechanism for secure attachment, ensuring smooth surfaces for cleaning and hygiene.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a mechanical coupling device with projections and locking elements is used to ensure reliable attachment, then the connection strength and reliability are improved, but the device complexity increases and the cleaning difficulty increases due to crevices and hard-to-reach areas

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection reliabilityVSAvoidcoupling device complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical coupling elements (projections, locking elements, threads) with a magnetic coupling system. Permanent magnets embedded in the handpiece attract corresponding magnetic elements in the interface element, creating a reliable connection without complex mechanical structures. This substitution maintains connection reliability while significantly reducing device complexity and eliminating crevices that are difficult to clean.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Strength

If traditional mechanical coupling elements are used, then the attachment strength is improved, but the ease of cleaning deteriorates due to crevices and complex geometries

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveattachment strengthVSAvoidease of cleaning

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The magnetic coupling system replaces mechanical attachment elements that create complex geometries and crevices. The smooth surfaces of the magnetic components allow for easy cleaning and sterilization, while the magnetic force provides sufficient attachment strength for surgical applications. The interface element can be easily removed and cleaned without navigating complex mechanical structures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Ease of operation

If a simple coupling interface is used to facilitate easy cleaning, then the ease of operation is improved, but the connection reliability may deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of cleaningVSAvoidconnection reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the fundamental parameter of coupling from mechanical interlocking to magnetic attraction. This allows for a simple, smooth coupling interface that is easy to clean while maintaining high connection reliability through the strength of magnetic forces. The magnetic coupling provides both ease of operation for cleaning and sufficient reliability for surgical use.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

4Strength

If multiple mechanical locking elements are used to ensure secure attachment, then the connection strength is improved, but the device complexity and time for assembly increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection strengthVSAvoidassembly time

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The magnetic coupling system eliminates the need for multiple mechanical locking elements that require sequential assembly. The interface element is simply brought near the handpiece, and magnetic attraction automatically guides and secures the connection, significantly reducing assembly time while maintaining strong attachment.

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

The magnetic coupling ensures a simple, reliable, and hygienic attachment of interface elements to the hand-piece, facilitating easy cleaning and adaptability without mechanical projections, enhancing the instrument's usability and hygiene.

Implementation Method 1

The permanent magnet is herein arranged such that it effects an attraction force between the interface element and the hand-piece, i.e. holds the interface element on the hand-piece by magnetic attraction force

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic attraction force: Magnetism

Implementation Method 2

the magnet arrangement also permits the locating of a predefined positioning between the interface element and hand-piece, in particular with respect to the angular position, in a simple manner since the magnetic fields can automatically align the interface element and the hand-piece on joining together

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic field alignment: Magnetism

Data Source

PatentUS20260007304A1Endoscopic instrument having a handpiece

Publication Date: 2026.01.08 RICHARD WOLF GMBH

AI summary

An endoscopic instrument with a hand-piece (2), a shank which coming from the hand- piece (2) extends distally and an interface element (8) which is arranged on the proximal end of the hand-piece (2) and which is connected to the hand-piece (2) via a releasable coupling device (10, 12), wherein the coupling device (10, 12) comprises a magnet arrangement with at least one permanent magnet (14, 16) which effects an attraction force between the interface element (8) and the hand-piece (2).