Surgical Coupling System with Integrated Electrical Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current surgical coupling systems and drive systems face challenges with high failure rates due to electrical contact issues, particularly corrosion of switching elements, and require additional control lines for motor activation and querying, complicating handling and reliability.
Innovation Solution
A surgical coupling system that integrates an electrical switching device allowing the plug connection to function as both a mechanical connector and a switch, minimizing electrical contact elements to the number of motor windings, with a locking mechanism to secure the switching positions and prevent uncontrolled energization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If additional control lines are provided for motor activation and querying, then the handpiece type can be queried automatically and motor control is improved, but the number of electrical connection contacts increases and handling becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the mechanical coupling function and electrical switching function into a single plug connection. The coupling devices serve dual purposes: mechanically connecting the handpiece to the control unit and simultaneously acting as switching elements to activate the motor circuit, thereby eliminating the need for separate control lines and switching elements
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling devices are designed to perform multiple functions: mechanical connection, electrical connection for power transmission, and electrical switching for motor activation. This multi-functionality reduces the overall system complexity by eliminating dedicated control lines while maintaining automatic handpiece type querying capability
2Ease of operation
If switching elements are used for motor activation, then motor control is enabled, but corrosion of switching elements occurs leading to high failure rates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the switching function from traditional separate switching elements and integrates it directly into the coupling devices. By using the coupling devices themselves as switching elements, the design eliminates additional corrosion-prone switching components while maintaining motor activation capability
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling devices serve themselves by performing multiple functions including mechanical connection, electrical connection, and switching. This self-service approach reduces the number of separate components that could corrode, thereby improving reliability
3Adaptability or versatility
If the plug connection is made in the sterile area to allow handpiece changes, then intraoperative handpiece replacement is enabled, but the plug connection requires cleaning and sterilization after each use increasing processing time
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling devices are designed as universal components that can be sterilized along with the handpiece. Their multi-functional design allows them to remain in the sterile field while maintaining electrical and mechanical connectivity, enabling handpiece changes without requiring separate processing of control cables
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a surgical coupling system comprising a first surgical coupling device and a second surgical coupling device, each of which has at least two electrical coupling contacts that can be brought into mechanical engagement with each other, wherein the first coupling device and the second coupling device are completely separated from each other in a separated position and are mechanically engaged with each other in a mechanically coupled position. In order to improve said surgical coupling system in such a way as to make the same easier and safer to operate, an electrical switching device is provided which, in the coupled position, can be brought from an OFF position, in which at least one electrical coupling contact of the first coupling device and at least one first electrical coupling contact of the second coupling device are not engaged, into an ON position, in which the at least one first electrical coupling contact of the first coupling device and the at least one first electrical coupling contact of the second coupling device are in contact or engagement in an electrically conductive manner, and/or vice versa. The invention further relates to an improved surgical drive system.