Rotary Transformer Coupling Detection for Endoscope LED Power
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing endoscopic systems face challenges in efficiently providing wireless power to LEDs within the endoscope while ensuring electrical isolation and determining whether the endoscope is properly coupled for power transmission.
Innovation Solution
A camera head system that wirelessly powers LEDs within the endoscope using rotary transformers across air gaps, employing a swept frequency identification signal to determine mechanical coupling and power acceptance, and adjusts power delivery based on resonant frequency analysis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If wireless power transmission is implemented using rotary transformers, then electrical isolation between camera head and patient is improved, but difficulty in detecting mechanical coupling and power acceptance increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary identification signal (magnetic field signal at specific frequencies) that mediates between the power transmission system and the detection system. This signal acts as a carrier to convey information about mechanical coupling and power acceptance status without compromising the electrical isolation provided by the rotary transformers. The identification signal frequency (e.g., 128 Hz) serves as a unique identifier that can be detected through the air gap.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces direct mechanical or electrical connection-based detection with magnetic field-based detection. Instead of using physical contacts or electrical wires to detect coupling status, the system uses magnetic field signals that can penetrate the air gap and be received by sensors, thereby maintaining electrical isolation while enabling reliable detection.
2Measurement precision
If swept frequency identification signal is used to determine coupling status, then accuracy of power acceptance detection is improved, but power transmission time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary detection of mechanical coupling and power acceptance status before initiating full power transmission. By using swept frequency identification signals to pre-assess the coupling conditions, the system可以避免 wasting time on unsuccessful power transmission attempts and can quickly establish optimal power delivery parameters.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs periodic swept frequency signals to continuously monitor coupling status during operation. This periodic detection allows the system to maintain accurate knowledge of the coupling state without requiring continuous full-spectrum analysis, thereby balancing detection accuracy with time efficiency.
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 wireless power transmission to the endoscope LEDs regardless of rotational orientation, while accurately detecting mechanical coupling and power acceptance, enhancing system efficiency and safety.
Implementation Method 1
a primary winding disposed within a camera head of the endoscopic system, the primary winding having a first lead and a second lead
Implementation Method 2
A camera head system that wirelessly powers LEDs within the endoscope using rotary transformers across air gaps
Data Source
AI summary
Inferring state of an inductive powered load. At least one example embodiment is a method including: applying (502), by a controller (200) within a camera head (102), an identification signal to a primary winding (212) of a transformer (218) within the camera head (102) for an endoscopic system (100), the identification signal having a swept frequency; measuring (504), by the controller, power as a function of frequency (300, 302, 304) of the identification signal during application of the identification signal; and determining (506) by the controller whether the camera head (102) is mechanically coupled to an endoscope (104) based on the power as a function of frequency of the identification signal (300, 302, 304).