Cavity Inspection Dilator with Reusable External Imaging Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing inspection devices for cavities are cumbersome, uncomfortable for patients, costly, and lack the ability to acquire diagnostic images, providing limited visibility and sustainability due to internal illuminators that need replacement after each use.
Innovation Solution
A device with a dilator body and introducer body, featuring a gripping element and a support element that holds an acquisition and lighting device externally, allowing flexible positioning and reuse, facilitated by a guide element with locking members for adjustable positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If an illuminator is arranged inside the dilator body, then visibility during inspection is improved, but the device becomes costly and unsustainable due to replacement requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The illuminator is extracted from the internal volume of the dilator body and repositioned to an external support structure. This allows the illuminator to remain outside the sterile field while still providing adequate lighting for inspection, eliminating the need for disposable internal illuminators and reducing overall device cost.
Solution Approach 2:
A support structure acts as an intermediary between the operator and the dilator body, carrying the illuminator externally. This intermediary structure provides a stable platform for mounting the illuminator and camera while maintaining proper positioning relative to the inspection field without requiring internal integration.
2Measurement precision
If detection instruments are coupled at the proximal opening, then image acquisition is enabled, but the procedure becomes uncomfortable for the patient and difficult for the operator
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure serves as an intermediary that carries both the illuminator and camera externally, positioned to provide optimal viewing angles without requiring manual coupling at the proximal opening. This intermediary platform stabilizes the detection instruments and positions them for automatic alignment with the inspection field.
Solution Approach 2:
The support structure is pre-configured with mounting positions for the illuminator and camera that are automatically aligned with the inspection field when the dilator is inserted. This preliminary positioning eliminates the need for manual adjustment during the procedure, improving both operator convenience and patient comfort.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the inspection device includes internal illumination and detection components, then comprehensive inspection is possible, but the overall view of the mucous membrane is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The camera and illuminator are positioned on an external support structure that allows for angular adjustment and multi-dimensional positioning. This enables the detection instruments to capture images from various angles including overhead views, providing a comprehensive overall perspective of the mucous membrane that cannot be achieved with fixed internal positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The support structure incorporates adjustable positioning mechanisms that allow the camera and illuminator to be dynamically repositioned during the inspection procedure. This dynamic adjustment capability enables the operator to optimize viewing angles and capture comprehensive images of the entire inspection field, including peripheral areas.
Data Source
AI summary
A device for inspection of a cavity that includes a dilator body and a gripping element with an elongated shape, applied or applicable to the end of the dilator body, arranged transversely with respect to the dilator body and graspable by an operator. The device includes a support element, configured to define a reversible connection with an inspection group, connected to the gripping element and movable along the gripping element towards and/or away from the dilator body. The inspection group includes an acquisition device and a lighting device.