Rotatable Slip Ring Assembly for Ultrasonic Transducer Power
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing endoscopic surgical instruments face challenges in maintaining electrical connectivity during rotation of ultrasonic transducers, leading to potential twisting and binding of cables and wires, which can hinder the effective use of surgical instruments.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of rotatable electrical coupling assemblies, such as nodal flanged transducers and pancake slip ring connectors, that maintain electrical contact through rotating components, ensuring continuous power supply to the transducer even during 360-degree rotation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional cable and wire connections are used to power ultrasonic transducers, then electrical connectivity is established, but cable twisting and binding occurs during transducer rotation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical cable and wire connections with a magnetic coupling system. The magnetic drive assembly uses magnetic fields to transmit rotational motion and power from the proximal end to the distal end of the instrument, eliminating physical cables that would twist and bind during rotation. This substitution of mechanical connections with magnetic field-based power transmission resolves the contradiction by maintaining reliable electrical connectivity without restricting transducer rotation.
2Reliability
If rigid electrical connections are used to power transducer, then stable power supply is achieved, but mechanical stress and binding occur during rotation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic magnetic coupling system where magnetic fields dynamically transmit power and rotational motion. The magnetic drive assembly allows the distal end to rotate freely while maintaining continuous power transmission through the magnetic field, adapting to rotational movements without creating mechanical stress or binding. This dynamic approach replaces static rigid connections with a flexible magnetic field-based system that maintains power stability while accommodating rotation.
3Ease of operation
If cables are routed along the shaft for power supply, then electrical connection is maintained, but cable twisting hinders instrument operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates mechanical cable routing along the shaft by using magnetic field-based power transmission. The magnetic drive assembly transmits power wirelessly through the shaft structure using magnetic coupling between proximal and distal components. This removes the physical cables that would twist and hinder manipulation, while maintaining reliable electrical connection through the magnetic field that penetrates the shaft without physical constraints.
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 prevents cable and wire twisting, ensuring reliable electrical connectivity and efficient operation of ultrasonic surgical instruments, allowing for versatile tissue manipulation and reduced mechanical stress on the surgical instrument.
Implementation Method 1
a distal end portion of the shaft may be rotated relative to a proximal end portion of the shaft. The surgical instrument may include a transducer assembly including a piezoelectric transducer operable to convert electrical energy into mechanical vibrations at an ultrasonic frequency
Implementation Method 2
A washer is adapted to contact a positive conductor and an end bell is adapted to contact a negative conductor. The washer and end bell provide a slip ring electrical contact to maintain electrical contact with the conductors and while the transducer assembly rotates within the handpiece assembly
Data Source
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AI summary
A surgical instrument includes a rotatable electrical coupling assembly having a first part and a second part that electrically couple and rotate relative to each other. The second part is carried by and rotates with a tube collar coupled to a transducer. A portion of the transducer is inserted through an aperture of the second part, but does not contact the second part. The first part of the assembly may electrically couple to the second part via pogo pins, brush contacts, or ball bearings. Alternatively, the first part may comprise conductive channels formed in the casing. The second part may comprise a rotatable drum with a conductive trace. In some versions, one or more components may comprise MID components. In another version, the rotatable electrical coupling assembly comprises a rotatable PC board and brush contact. Further still, a circuit board may be provided with the transducer inside a transducer casing.