Optical Data Transmission Through Rotary Transformer Axial Passage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current robotic surgical systems face challenges in providing a compact, lightweight, and reliable operator input device that allows for three-dimensional movement and orientation control, particularly in transmitting data through rotating joints without noise introduction and maintaining rotational freedom, while being compact and agile.
Innovation Solution
The development of an optical data transmission system using a rotary transformer with a primary and secondary winding, where power is magnetically coupled and data is transmitted optically through an axial passage, enabling continuous rotation without physical contact and allowing for compact and reliable operator input devices with enhanced rotational freedom.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If slip rings are used to transmit data through the rotating joint, then data transmission is enabled, but the device becomes difficult to maintain and introduces noise into data signals
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical slip ring system with an optical data transmission system using LEDs and photodetectors. This substitution eliminates physical contact between rotating and stationary components, thereby eliminating mechanical wear and noise generation while maintaining reliable data transmission through the rotating joint.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces optical components (LEDs and photodetectors) as intermediaries to transmit data across the rotating joint. These components act as mediators that convert electrical signals to optical signals for transmission, avoiding the need for direct electrical contact through slip rings and eliminating the associated noise and maintenance issues.
2Reliability
If a slack wire cable is used to provide reliable data communication, then data transmission reliability is improved, but the rotational freedom of the handle is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical wire cable system with an optical transmission system using LEDs and photodetectors positioned across the rotating joint. This substitution allows for unlimited rotational movement since optical signals can pass through the rotating interface without physical cable constraints, fully preserving the surgeon's rotational freedom while maintaining reliable data communication.
3Weight of moving object
If the operator input device is made compact and lightweight, then device agility is improved, but maintaining reliable data transmission through rotating joints becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces bulky mechanical data transmission components (slip rings, cables) with compact optical components (LEDs and photodetectors). These optical components have minimal mass and can be integrated into the compact handle structure, maintaining reliable data transmission while preserving device agility and minimizing constraints on surgical manipulation.
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 provides a compact, reliable, and noise-free means to transmit data and power for robotic surgical instruments, enhancing the surgeon's ability to control surgical instruments with precise three-dimensional movement and orientation, improving the overall agility and control of robotic surgical systems.
Implementation Method 1
A primary winding of a rotary transformer is fixed to a support structure and connected to an electric power source. A secondary winding is rotatably supported by the support structure.
Implementation Method 2
An optical data transmitter is connected to the secondary winding. The optical data transmitter is rotatably supported by the support structure and aligned to transmit data through the axial passage in the rotary transformer.
Data Source
AI summary
A device for receiving data from a rotatable source includes a primary winding of a rotary transformer fixed to a support structure and connected to an electric power source. A secondary winding is rotatably supported by the support structure. An axial passage extends through the primary and secondary windings. An optical data transmitter is connected to the secondary winding. The optical data transmitter is rotatably supported by the support structure and aligned to transmit data through the axial passage in the rotary transformer. The secondary transformer winding provides power to the optical data transmitter without physical contact. An optical data receiver fixed to the support structure receives data from the optical data transmitter transmitted through the axial passage in the rotary transformer without physical contact. The transmission of power and data without physical contact allows the data source to rotate continuously.