Coaxial Rotary Waveguide Assembly for Uniform 3D Endoscopy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing photoacoustic endoscopic systems face challenges in achieving probe flexibility and rotational uniformity due to non-uniform torque transmission and lack of a protective sheath, leading to image quality degradation and inability to produce reliable 3D images.
Innovation Solution
A coaxially configured optical and electromagnetic rotary waveguide assembly with a plastic catheter surrounding the scanning tip and torque coil, ensuring uniform rotational symmetry and integration of optical and electromagnetic components, along with a protective sheath to maintain probe flexibility and image quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If a photoacoustic endoscopic probe is designed with a slender and long shape for clinical insertion, then the probe can be inserted into narrow paths, but the probe flexibility and rotational uniformity deteriorate due to non-uniform torque transmission
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by transitioning from a conventional single optical fiber configuration to a coaxial multi-component structure. The optical fiber, conductive path, and plastic catheter are arranged coaxially rather than asymmetrically, which actually resolves the torque transmission issue by creating rotational symmetry. This coaxial arrangement ensures uniform torque distribution during rotation, solving the rotational uniformity problem while maintaining probe flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the probe into distinct functional components arranged coaxially: the optical fiber for light transmission, the conductive path for electromagnetic signal transmission, and the plastic catheter for mechanical protection and torque transmission. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function optimally while working together harmoniously to achieve both flexibility and rotational uniformity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If optical and electromagnetic components are integrated in the probe, then dual-function imaging is achieved, but mechanical interference and image quality degradation occur due to lack of protective sheath
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements nesting by placing the optical fiber and conductive path inside the plastic catheter in a coaxial arrangement. The plastic catheter acts as a protective sheath that encloses and protects the delicate optical and electromagnetic components from mechanical interference. This nested structure allows dual-function imaging while preventing the mechanical interference that would otherwise degrade image quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The plastic catheter serves as a flexible protective shell that surrounds the optical fiber and conductive path. This flexible sheath provides mechanical protection against interference while maintaining the probe's ability to navigate narrow and curved paths. The catheter ensures that the integrated optical and electromagnetic components remain protected, thereby maintaining high image quality for both photoacoustic and ultrasonic imaging.
3Device complexity
If conventional non-coaxial configuration is used, then device complexity is reduced, but torque transmission uniformity and probe flexibility deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The coaxial configuration creates a universal structure where the plastic catheter simultaneously serves multiple functions: mechanical protection of internal components, torque transmission during rotation, and maintenance of rotational symmetry. The optical fiber and conductive path also serve dual purposes - transmitting their respective signals while contributing to the overall coaxial structure that enables uniform torque transmission. This multi-functional design improves probe flexibility without proportionally increasing complexity.
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 solution enables a flexible and reliable 3D imaging capability with uniform rotational symmetry, preventing mechanical interference and ensuring high-quality photoacoustic and ultrasonic images, even in narrow and curved paths.
Implementation Method 1
an optical fiber including a core and a cladding
Implementation Method 2
a piezoelectric element surrounded by the metal casing
Implementation Method 3
Electromagnetic waves with a very short pulse width (usually less than 1 μs) are instantly applied to the region of interest to generate acoustic waves, which are typically referred to as photoacoustic waves
Data Source
AI summary
A photoacoustic-ultrasonic dual-mode endoscope includes: a probe and a probe driving unit, wherein the probe includes: a coaxially configured optical and electromagnetic rotary waveguide assembly including an optical fiber, the optical fiber including a core and a cladding, and a conductive path coaxially arranged with the optical fiber; a scanning tip located at an end of the coaxially configured optical and electromagnetic rotary waveguide assembly and configured to deliver a laser beam to an object to be examined and detect a photoacoustic signal and an ultrasonic signal generated from the object to be examined; and a plastic catheter surrounding outer surfaces of the coaxially configured optical and electromagnetic rotary waveguide assembly and the scanning tip, wherein the conductive path includes: a first conductive path including a portion coaxially arranged with the optical fiber; and a second conductive path including a portion coaxially arranged with the optical fiber and insulated from the first conductive path.