Rotatable Wireless Camera Coupling for Endoscope Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Endoscope video camera systems face challenges such as misalignment, optical path inefficiency, limited panning range, and maintenance complexity due to detachable camera heads and the need for precise alignment and power transfer, which can lead to disorienting image rotation, mechanical wear, and suboptimal maintenance practices.
Innovation Solution
A wireless inductive power transfer system using transponders and transceivers, such as RFID or IEEE 1902.1 (RuBee), allows for contactless power and data transmission between the camera head and endoscope, enabling unlimited rotation without mechanical stress, reducing electromagnetic interference, and facilitating easy maintenance and inventory tracking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a detachable camera head is used with a coupling mechanism to transmit optical energy, then the camera can be separated from the endoscope for easy更换 and cleaning, but misalignment, dirt/debris and damage to the optical path reduce the efficiency of the optical path
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the optical coupling mechanism entirely by making the camera head detachable without requiring optical alignment. The camera head contains its own light source and imaging sensors, eliminating the need for optical energy transmission through a coupling mechanism between the camera and endoscope.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary wireless transmission system that replaces the direct optical coupling. The camera head wirelessly transmits images to the endoscope display, eliminating the need for physical optical alignment and reducing losses from misalignment, dirt, and damage.
2Use of energy by moving object
If a power source is positioned on the endoscope to generate optical energy, then optical energy can be generated in the endoscope, but the weight of the endoscope increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the power source from the endoscope and places it in the camera head. The camera head contains its own battery and power management system, allowing it to generate optical energy independently without adding weight to the endoscope.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the system into separate functional modules: the endoscope contains only the imaging sensors and display, while the camera head contains the power source and light generation components. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and eliminates the weight penalty of on-endoscope power sources.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the endoscope and camera are locked together, then the coupling is secure, but the surgeon has to rotate his/her wrist to achieve a panning effect which causes disorienting image spin
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic decoupling between the camera head and endoscope, allowing the camera head to rotate independently relative to the endoscope. This dynamic relationship enables smooth panning without wrist rotation, as the camera head can pivot to track moving objects while the endoscope remains stationary in the patient's body.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent separates the rotational degrees of freedom between the camera head and endoscope. The camera head can rotate independently to pan and tilt, while the endoscope maintains its position in the body cavity. This segmentation of motion allows stable coupling while enabling easy panning operation.
4Shape
If the illumination system is eccentric to the image optical system, then the illumination system can be positioned, but it makes it difficult to transfer light from the camera to the endoscope
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the illumination system from the endoscope and places it in the camera head. The camera head contains its own light source that illuminates the area of interest, eliminating the need for complex light transfer mechanisms from an eccentric illumination position in the endoscope.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces wireless image transmission as an intermediary that replaces the direct optical light transfer path. Instead of transferring light through a complex eccentric illumination system, the camera head captures images wirelessly and transmits them to the endoscope display, eliminating light transfer losses.
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 lightweight, efficient, and reliable system that simplifies endoscope usage, ensures optimal video system operation, and enhances maintenance tracking, reducing the need for manual adjustments and precise alignment, while promoting factory-authorized maintenance and improving durability and reliability.
Implementation Method 1
A wireless inductive power transfer system using transponders and transceivers, such as RFID or IEEE 1902.1 (RuBee), allows for contactless power and data transmission between the camera head and endoscope
Data Source
AI summary
An endoscope video system for wirelessly powering an endoscope coupled to a detachable camera comprises an endoscope having a receiver positioned thereon, the receiver receiving wireless energy, an endoscope coupling mechanism affixed to a proximal end of the endoscope, a camera having a transmitter positioned thereon, the transmitter wirelessly coupling to the receiver when brought in proximity thereto to transmit energy to the receiver, a camera coupling mechanism engagable with the endoscope coupling mechanism to mechanically couple the endoscope to the camera, an imager positioned on the endoscope, the imager coupled to and receiving electrical power from the receiver, the imager generating image data, and wherein when the endoscope coupling mechanism engages with the camera coupling mechanism, whereby the endoscope is rotatable relative to the camera.