Slip Ring Coating With Capacitive Coupling for Wet Signal Transfer
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Surgical instruments with slip rings face issues with signal noise and power loss due to exposure to water and body fluids, as conventional conductors are prone to damage and signal interference when rotated during procedures.
Innovation Solution
Coating the conductors of the slip ring assembly with a material less conductive than the conductors, such as carbon ink or silver ink, and forming a capacitive channel between the proximal and distal slip rings to prevent fluid ingress and maintain electrical connectivity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional conductors are used in slip rings during surgical procedures, then electrical connectivity is maintained, but signal noise and power loss occur due to exposure to water and body fluids
Solution Approach 1:
A capacitive channel is introduced as an intermediary between the proximal and distal slip rings. This capacitive coupling allows electrical signals to be transmitted through the insulation barrier without direct fluid contact, effectively mediating between the need for electrical connectivity and the need to prevent fluid ingress
Solution Approach 2:
The insulation barrier acts as a flexible thin film that separates the conductive elements from the fluid environment. This thin film barrier prevents direct contact between body fluids and conductors while still allowing capacitive coupling to transmit electrical signals across the insulation layer
2Ease of operation
If conductors are rotated during surgical procedures, then power and signals are transmitted between fixed and rotatable shaft portions, but damage and signal interference occur due to fluid exposure
Solution Approach 1:
The insulation barrier serves as a flexible thin film that accommodates the rotation between fixed and rotatable shaft portions while maintaining a sealed barrier against fluid ingress. This allows rotational movement without compromising the protective barrier
Solution Approach 2:
The capacitive channel acts as an intermediary that enables signal transmission through the insulation barrier during rotation, allowing the rotatable components to move freely while maintaining reliable electrical connectivity without direct fluid contact
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a waterproof barrier is created around conductors, then fluid ingress is prevented, but electrical conductivity is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The capacitive channel serves as an intermediary mechanism that allows electrical signals to pass through the waterproof insulation barrier. By using capacitive coupling, the system transmits electrical energy through the insulation without requiring direct conductive contact, thus maintaining both waterproofing and electrical functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the electrical parameter from direct conductive coupling to capacitive coupling. This parameter change allows the insulation barrier to maintain its waterproof function while still enabling electrical signal transmission through the capacitive effect across the insulation layer
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
The solution effectively reduces signal noise and power loss by creating a waterproof barrier and ensuring reliable communication of power and signals between the fixed and rotatable shaft portions of surgical instruments, even in wet environments.
Implementation Method 1
depositing a material less conductive than the conductive elements onto the conductive elements of the slip ring
Implementation Method 2
forming a capacitive channel between the proximal and distal slip rings to prevent fluid ingress and maintain electrical connectivity
Data Source
AI summary
A method of coating a slip ring for use with a surgical instrument is disclosed. The method includes the steps of providing a slip ring including a plurality of conductive elements, and depositing a material less conductive than the conductive elements onto the conductive elements of the slip ring.