Fiber Optic Catheter Coupler for Auto ID and Laser Power Sensing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fiber optic catheter systems rely on mechanical switches and molded pins to identify catheter types, limiting the number of distinguishable types and requiring manual updating of operating parameters, and are not compatible with both smart and dumb light sources.
Innovation Solution
Integrate electrically conductive pins and electronic processors in the catheter-side coupler to transmit information wirelessly or via electrical connections, allowing for automatic identification and configuration of operating parameters, and include a photodiode and temperature sensor for precise laser power measurement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If mechanical switches and molded pins are used for catheter identification, then the system is simple and backward compatible, but the number of distinguishable catheter types is limited and manual updating is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines mechanical switch engagement with electrical connection in a single coupler interface. The electrical connectors provide both power and data communication channels, allowing simultaneous mechanical identification and electronic information exchange, thereby dramatically increasing the number of distinguishable catheter types without proportionally increasing complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The electrical connectors serve multiple functions: providing electrical power to the catheter electronics, establishing bidirectional data communication for catheter identification and parameter transmission, and enabling automatic configuration. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction by handling multiple tasks through a single integrated interface
2Extent of automation
If electrical connectors are added for automatic identification, then catheter type identification and parameter transmission are automated, but the system complexity increases and compatibility with existing light sources is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The catheter electronics automatically perform identification, parameter transmission, and configuration tasks without requiring manual intervention. The system self-configures by exchanging information through electrical connectors, automating the entire process from connection to operational readiness
Solution Approach 2:
Catheter-specific operating parameters are pre-stored in the catheter's electronic memory before connection. Upon connection, these parameters are automatically transmitted to the light source, eliminating the need for manual configuration and enabling immediate automated operation
3Reliability
If electrical connection is used for information transmission, then data accuracy and communication reliability are improved, but the system requires both smart catheter and smart light source
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical connectors act as an intermediary medium that enables reliable bidirectional communication between the catheter electronics and the light source. This intermediary interface standardizes data exchange protocols, ensuring reliable information transmission while maintaining compatibility across different system configurations
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adapts its communication mode based on the capabilities of the connected light source. When a smart light source is detected, full electrical communication is utilized; when an existing dumb light source is connected, the system gracefully degrades to mechanical switch engagement, maintaining reliability across different scenarios
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
Enables automatic catheter type identification, backward compatibility with existing light sources, reduces noise in measurements, and ensures single-use compliance by preventing reuse, while allowing for precise laser power control and fault detection.
Implementation Method 1
an optical fiber or fiber bundle of the catheter carries high intensity light from a light source such as an excimer light source to the target location
Implementation Method 2
to ablate or otherwise remove atherosclerosis from the blood vessel at the target location
Implementation Method 3
A photodiode can be added to the catheter-side coupler that measures the laser power transmitted through the catheter-side coupler
Implementation Method 4
A plurality of mechanical switches is configured to be engaged by pins of the catheter-side coupler during the connection
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A source-side coupler (10) for injecting light from an associated light source (4) into an associated fiber optic catheter (2) includes: an optical output aperture (14) configured to inject light from the associated light source into the associated fiber optic catheter; a plurality of mechanical switches (16) configured to be engaged by pins (34) of a catheter-side coupler; and an electronic processor (20) programmed to receive information from the associated fiber optic catheter via the connection by: electrically receiving the information if the connection establishes an electrical connection between the electronic processor and the associated fiber optic catheter, or mechanically receiving the information based on which mechanical switches of the plurality of mechanical switches are engaged by pins of the catheter-side coupler if the connection does not establish an electrical connection between the electronic processor and the associated fiber optic catheter.