Medical Coupling Device with External Memory for Data Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing coupling devices for medical and dental instruments face limitations in safely and reliably transferring data and energy due to restricted accessibility of memory elements and the risk of opposing fields interfering with inductive energy transfer, and they are difficult to retrofit for data and energy capabilities.
Innovation Solution
A coupling device design featuring a positioning element with a memory unit and a transfer unit, where the memory unit is positioned outside metallic parts and accessible from multiple sides, allowing for hardwired or wireless data and energy transfer, and can be easily retrofitted onto existing instruments without compromising compatibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the memory element is disposed inside the instrument (in the sleeve wall or coupling pin), then the instrument structure is compact, but the accessibility of the memory element is restricted and data transfer is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The memory element is extracted from the interior of the instrument and disposed outside the instrument body. This extraction allows the memory element to be accessible from multiple sides while maintaining a compact instrument structure, as the memory element can be mounted on the exterior surface or on a coupling component that interfaces with the drive unit.
2Strength
If metallic parts are present in the coupling device, then the structural strength is sufficient, but opposing fields are generated that interfere with inductive energy and data transfer
Solution Approach 1:
The memory element is taken out from the metallic interior structure and positioned outside the metallic parts of the instrument. This separation eliminates the generation of opposing fields by metallic components during inductive transfer, while the instrument's metallic structure remains intact for structural support.
Solution Approach 2:
A non-metallic coupling component or interface element is introduced as an intermediary between the metallic instrument body and the memory element, or between the coupling elements during data/energy transfer. This intermediary prevents direct interaction between metallic parts and the inductive field, eliminating opposing fields while maintaining structural integrity.
3Reliability
If the coupling device is designed from scratch with data and energy transfer capabilities, then the transfer reliability is high, but retrofitting existing instruments becomes difficult and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling device is segmented into modular components: the instrument body, the coupling component, and the memory element. This segmentation allows the memory element and data transfer functionality to be added as a separate module to existing instruments without redesigning the entire instrument, facilitating easy retrofitting while maintaining reliable data and energy transfer.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling component is designed with universal functionality to support both traditional mechanical coupling and new data/energy transfer functions. This multi-functionality allows existing instruments to be retrofitted with the memory element and coupling component to gain data and energy transfer capabilities without requiring instrument-specific customization.
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
Ensures reliable and safe transfer of data and energy between coupling elements, prevents interference from metallic parts, and allows for easy retrofitting of existing instruments to enable data and energy transmission.
Implementation Method 1
a first coil (17) in the positioning element (8) and a second coil (18) in the indentation (9) for inductive energy and/or data transfer
Implementation Method 2
The coils (17, 18) are surrounded by a soft magnetic material (25), in particular ferrite, nickel-zinc or manganese-zinc for conducting and/or aligning the field lines of the magnetic field
Data Source
AI summary
A coupling device for detachably connecting a medical or dental instrument to a drive unit or a supply hose for transfer of at least one of data, energy, a driving movement and a working medium between the drive unit or the supply hose and the instrument includes a first coupling element and a second coupling element. One of the coupling elements includes a coupling recess and the other includes a coupling protrusion insertable therein. One of the coupling elements includes a positioning element and the other includes an indentation into which the positioning element can be inserted to position the coupling elements in a defined angular position about a shared axis. One of the coupling elements includes a memory unit for storage of data and the other includes a transfer unit, so that data can be transferred from the memory unit by the transfer unit to the other coupling element.