Switchable Rotary Connector Wear Reduction in Intravascular Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Intravascular imaging apparatuses face wear issues due to high-speed rotation of metal contact type rotary connectors during OCT or OFDI procedures, leading to breakdowns and short lifetimes due to abrasion, as they are designed for lower speeds typical of IVUS operations.
Innovation Solution
The imaging apparatus incorporates a switchable metal contact type rotary connector for electric signals, allowing it to transition between contact and non-contact states, reducing wear by avoiding high-speed abrasion during OCT or OFDI operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a metal contact type rotary connector is used for electric signal transmission in a scanner & pull-back unit, then electric signals can be transmitted reliably, but the connector suffers from wear and breakdown due to high-speed rotation during OCT or OFDI operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical contact-based signal transmission with a magnetic coupling system. The primary side includes a coil generating a magnetic field, and the secondary side includes a coil that receives the magnetic field inductively. This eliminates direct mechanical contact between rotating and stationary parts, thereby eliminating wear while maintaining electrical signal transmission capability during high-speed rotation.
2Productivity
If the rotary connector rotates at high speed for OCT or OFDI operations, then higher frame rates are achieved, but the metal contact type rotary connector experiences increased abrasion and wear
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical contact-based signal transmission with a magnetic coupling system. The primary side includes a coil generating a magnetic field, and the secondary side includes a coil that receives the magnetic field inductively. This eliminates direct mechanical contact between rotating and stationary parts, thereby eliminating wear while maintaining electrical signal transmission capability during high-speed rotation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a compatible probe with both IVUS and OCT (or OFDI) units is used, then both imaging modalities can be utilized, but the metal contact type rotary connector must support both low-speed IVUS and high-speed OCT (or OFDI) operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical contact-based signal transmission with a magnetic coupling system. The primary side includes a coil generating a magnetic field, and the secondary side includes a coil that receives the magnetic field inductively. This eliminates direct mechanical contact between rotating and stationary parts, thereby eliminating wear while maintaining electrical signal transmission capability during high-speed rotation.
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 design effectively reduces wear and prevents breakdowns of the metal contact type rotary connector, extending its lifespan by enabling non-contact operation during high-speed OCT or OFDI procedures.
Implementation Method 1
a primary coil for generating a magnetic field and a secondary coil for receiving the magnetic field inductively
Data Source
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AI summary
An imaging apparatus for diagnosis relating to the present invention is connected detachably with a probe provided with a first transmitting and receiving unit repeating electric signal transmission and reception and a second transmitting and receiving unit repeating optical signal transmission and reception, obtains a reflected signal inside a body cavity from the first or the second transmitting and receiving unit by rotationally operating the first and the second transmitting and receiving units inside the body cavity, and can generate a tomographic image inside the body cavity, in which the apparatus is characterized by including an electric rotary connector 526 carrying out transmission of the electric signal in a state of rotationally operating the first and second transmitting and receiving units; and an optical rotary connector carrying out transmission of the optical signal the electric rotary connector 526 includes a metal surface 522, 523 mounted on the rotational drive unit side and a brush 524, 525 mounted on the fixed unit side, and the brush 524, 525 is operable between a contact position and a non-contact position.