Optical Interface Device for Medical Endoscope Electrical Isolation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Medical devices like endoscopes require an electrical isolation barrier between the camera control unit and the camera head/endoscope to prevent inappropriate electrical signals from being applied to the patient, which complicates the circuitry of the control unit.
Innovation Solution
An interface device with a first and second connector that uses optical data conduits and lenses for high data transfer rates, along with inductive electrical power transfer, forming an electrical isolation barrier by keeping electrical circuits isolated, thus eliminating the need for complex isolation barriers in the control unit circuitry.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If electrical signal paths are used to connect camera head and CCU, then power and data can be transmitted, but electrical isolation barrier is required which complicates control unit circuitry
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces electrical signal transmission with optical signal transmission using optical fibers. The camera head converts electrical signals to optical signals, which are then transmitted through optical fibers to the CCU, where they are converted back to electrical signals. This substitution eliminates the need for electrical isolation barriers and complex circuitry while maintaining high data transmission capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces optical fibers as an intermediary medium between the camera head and CCU. Optical converters at both ends facilitate the conversion between electrical and optical signals. This intermediary optical transmission system provides inherent electrical isolation while enabling high-speed data transmission, thereby simplifying the control unit circuitry.
2Productivity
If optical fibers are used for data transmission, then data transfer rate increases, but separate power transmission path is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines optical data transmission and electrical power transmission into a single integrated cable assembly. The cable contains both optical fibers for high-speed data transmission and electrical conductors for power delivery. This merging allows simultaneous transmission of both signals through one interface, simplifying the overall connection structure despite the different transmission media.
Solution Approach 2:
The cable assembly is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as a data transmission medium (via optical fibers) and a power delivery medium (via electrical conductors). This universal interface structure eliminates the need for separate connections for data and power, reducing interface complexity while maintaining high data transfer rates.
3Reliability
If electrical isolation barrier is implemented in CCU circuitry, then patient safety is ensured, but circuitry becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the need for electrical isolation barriers in the CCU circuitry by substituting electrical signal transmission with optical signal transmission. Since optical fibers are inherently electrically isolated, the system maintains patient safety without requiring complex isolation circuitry in the CCU. The electrical isolation is provided by the optical transmission medium itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses optical fibers as an intermediary that provides inherent electrical isolation between the camera head and CCU. This intermediary optical transmission system naturally prevents inappropriate electrical signals from reaching the patient, ensuring patient safety without adding complexity to the control unit circuitry through additional isolation barriers.
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 high data transfer rates and electrical power transfer while maintaining electrical isolation, simplifying the control unit circuitry and ensuring patient safety by preventing inappropriate electrical signals.
Implementation Method 1
each respective second optical data conduit and respective second optical lens are aligned for optical coupling across a coupling region with one of the first optical conduits and respective first optical lens
Implementation Method 2
produces an expanded beam optical data communication path across the two connectors
Implementation Method 3
inductive electrical power transfer
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
An interface device (101) includes first and second connectors (111, 112) adapted to be joined together in an operating position. One or more first optical data conduits (211) extend through the first connector (111), with each first optical data conduit (211) terminating at a respective first optical conduit end which is operatively aligned with a respective first optical lens (219). One or more second optical data conduits (212) extend through the second connector (112), with each second optical data conduit (212) terminating at a respective second optical conduit end which is operatively aligned with a respective second optical lens (220). Each respective second optical data conduit (212) and respective second optical lens (220) are aligned for optical coupling across a coupling region with one of the first optical conduits (211) and respective first optical lens (219) when the first connector (111) and second connector (112) are joined in the operating position. The interface also includes a wireless or contact-type electrical power transfer arrangement (227, 228).