Quick Connect Coupling Interface for Disposable Imaging Units
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for a reliable and efficient means to connect disposable imaging units with reusable base units in medical devices, particularly for minimally invasive procedures, to ensure sterility, convenience, and effective functionality.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of an electromagnetic mechanical coupling system that allows for the transfer of both mechanical forces and electrical power between a disposable imaging unit and a reusable base unit, enabling the disposable unit to perform imaging and mechanical manipulations while maintaining sterility and convenience.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If disposable imaging units are used to maintain sterility and convenience, then reliability and traceability are improved, but the complexity of connecting to reusable base units increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple connection functions (mechanical attachment, electrical power transfer, and data communication) into a single integrated coupling interface. The reusable base unit and disposable imaging unit each have corresponding interfaces that mate together, transferring mechanical forces, electrical power, and data signals through the same physical connection, thereby simplifying the overall connection process while maintaining sterility and reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling interface is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it provides mechanical support and positioning, transfers electrical power and signals, and enables data communication. This multi-functional interface reduces the number of separate connection mechanisms needed, simplifying the connection process while ensuring reliable operation of disposable imaging units with reusable base units
2Ease of operation
If a quick connect coupling interface is implemented to improve ease of operation, then connection efficiency is improved, but the reliability of force transfer and electrical connection may worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling interface is pre-configured with aligned electrical contacts and mechanical force transfer elements positioned to engage automatically when the disposable imaging unit is attached to the reusable base unit. This preliminary positioning ensures that reliable electrical and mechanical connections are established immediately upon connection, without requiring additional alignment steps or complex manual adjustments
Solution Approach 2:
The electrical contacts and mechanical force transfer elements are nested within the coupling interface structure, with the disposable unit's interface containing the electrical contacts that mate with corresponding elements in the reusable base unit. This nested arrangement protects the electrical connections while allowing quick attachment, maintaining both ease of operation and connection reliability
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 enables reliable and efficient connection of disposable imaging units to reusable base units, ensuring effective imaging and mechanical functionality while maintaining sterility and convenience, thereby addressing the challenges of minimally invasive procedures.
Implementation Method 1
The interface can include a mechanical connection system that includes a first mechanical connection interface on the disposable imaging unit side and a second mechanical connection interface on the reusable base unit side, which first and second mechanical connection interfaces connect in order for mechanical forces, tension, compression, or other bias to be transferred from the reusable base unit side to the disposable imaging unit
Implementation Method 2
The interface can include an electronic connection system that includes a first electronic connection interface on the disposable imaging unit side and a second electronic connection interface on the reusable base unit side, which first and second electronic connection interfaces connect in order for electronic signals as well as power to be passed from the reusable base unit to the disposable imaging unit and vice versa
Data Source
AI summary
An imaging system can include a base unit and one or more imaging units. The base unit can include a main interface that has a plurality of main electrical connectors and one or more main mechanical connectors. A mechanical system is located in the base unit. Each imaging unit can include an elongate support member having a proximal end, a proximal section, a bendable section, and a distal end. Also, an imaging interface that couples with the main interface can be included on the proximal end of the elongate support member. The imaging interface includes a plurality of imaging electrical connectors that correspond and connect with the main electrical connectors of the main interface and includes one or more imaging mechanical connectors that correspond and connect with main mechanical connectors of the main interface. Mechanical actuators can bend the bendable section under control from the base unit.