Optical Fiber Catheter Hoop With Transmission Window for Clean Light Checks

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Solution Overview

Problem

Catheters with built-in optical fibers require easy light intensity confirmation operations while maintaining cleanliness, especially during storage and transportation.

Innovation Solution

A catheter kit design with a hoop that includes a closing part and a transmission window, allowing light intensity confirmation without removing the catheter from the hoop, and a position adjustment mechanism to align the catheter tip end with the hoop tip end for precise measurement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the catheter is stored in the hoop until immediately before use to maintain cleanliness, then the cleanliness of the catheter is maintained, but the light intensity confirmation operation cannot be performed without removing the catheter from the hoop

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecleanliness of catheterVSAvoidlight intensity confirmation operation
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The closing part is divided into a protective section and a transmission window section. The transmission window allows light to pass through while maintaining the closed protective structure of the hoop, enabling light intensity measurement without removing the catheter.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The transmission window acts as an intermediary element that allows optical signals to pass through the closed hoop structure. It mediates between the need for protection (closed hoop) and the need for light transmission (measurement), enabling both functions simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If the catheter tip end is exposed for light intensity measurement, then the light intensity confirmation operation can be performed, but the cleanliness of the catheter may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelight intensity confirmation operationVSAvoidcleanliness of catheter
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The closing part segments the hoop into protected and measurement zones. The transmission window creates a controlled opening that allows light measurement while the rest of the hoop remains closed and protective.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The closing part has different properties at different locations: it is opaque and protective in most areas, but transparent and open at the transmission window location where light measurement is needed. This local differentiation allows simultaneous protection and measurement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Ease of operation

If the catheter is removed from the hoop for light intensity measurement, then the light intensity confirmation operation can be performed, but the risk of contamination increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelight intensity confirmation operationVSAvoidcontamination risk
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The transmission window serves as an intermediary that enables light measurement without requiring removal of the catheter from the protective hoop. It provides a controlled interface between the sterile catheter environment and the external measurement device.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The light measurement function is extracted from the catheter itself and performed through the transmission window of the closing part. This allows measurement to be conducted on the catheter while it remains in its protected state within the hoop.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

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

Maintains catheter cleanliness and simplifies light intensity confirmation operations by enabling measurement within the hoop, reducing the risk of contamination and ensuring accurate light intensity readings.

Implementation Method 1

the transmission window is provided at the closing part. Therefore, the light provided from the optical fiber can be obtained in a state in which the catheter is accommodated in the hoop

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight transmission: Light

Data Source

PatentEP3636193B1Catheter kit
Publication Date: 2026.02.18 HAMAMATSU PHOTONICS KK
  • EP3636193B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3636193B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3636193B1 patent drawingFigure 3(a)~3(b)

AI summary

A catheter kit 30 includes a catheter 31 having an optical fiber 33, and a catheter accommodating tool 32 which accommodates the catheter 31. The catheter accommodating tool 32 has a tubular hoop 36, and a protection cap 43 which is provided to the hoop 36. The protection cap 43 has a transmission window 43c through which laser light L output from the catheter 31 passes.