Cable-Free Arthroendoscope with Integrated LED and Wireless Camera
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current arthroscopic techniques using cables for illumination and camera connections lead to articular infections and contamination, necessitating complex and costly sterilization processes, especially in second-generation arthroscopy systems.
Innovation Solution
A cable-free arthroscopy apparatus featuring a power supply capsule with a battery and LED-diode for adjustable light intensity, integrated with a miniature camera and lens, eliminating the need for cables and arthroscopy towers, allowing independent use and reduced infection risk.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If cables are used for illumination and camera connections in arthroscopy, then the system can provide adequate lighting and image transmission, but it increases the risk of articular infections and contamination
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the cable from the arthroscopy system by integrating the light source and camera directly into the arthroscope. The illumination is provided by an LED diode embedded in the arthroscope, and the camera is integrated to capture images wirelessly, eliminating the cable that crosses the surgical field and poses infection risks.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical cable connection system with wireless communication and integrated components. The camera transmits images wirelessly to a display device, and the LED light source is directly mounted in the arthroscope, eliminating the need for physical cables that could introduce contamination.
2Power
If cables are used to connect the arthroscope to the arthroscopy tower, then the system can provide power and signal transmission, but it requires complex sterilization processes and increases operational complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the power and signal transmission functions from the cable connection system. The arthroscope contains an integrated battery for power supply and wireless communication modules for signal transmission, eliminating the need for cables that require complex sterilization procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The arthroscope becomes self-contained with an integrated battery and wireless communication capabilities, allowing it to operate independently without external cable connections. This self-sufficient design simplifies sterilization procedures and reduces operational complexity.
3Illumination intensity
If a cable of about two meters is used to connect the light source to the arthroscope, then adequate illumination can be provided, but it crosses the entire operating field and becomes a contamination source
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the light source, camera, and control electronics into a single integrated arthroscope unit. The LED diode and camera are embedded directly in the arthroscope, eliminating the need for separate cable connections that would cross the operating field and create contamination risks.
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 apparatus significantly reduces the risk of articular infections, lowers operational costs, and enhances portability, making it suitable for ambulatory surgeries with improved aseptic conditions and reduced economic burden.
Implementation Method 1
a power supply device or capsule, in the inside of which is a battery (1) with a variable duration and size, with energy for different durations, and being disposable or not. This capsule generates light, which can be regulated and said capsule can further rotate the lens (Figure 1).
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
AI summary
The present invention relates to an arthroscopy apparatus, comprising at least three elements selected from: a conventional arthroscopic lens (12), to which there is coupled a power supply device or capsule, in the inside of which is the power source (1), and a miniature camera (8), characterized by not comprising connecting cables.