Compact Video Laryngoscope Camera with Integrated Light Source
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional visualization instruments face limitations such as fogging, insufficient lighting, inability to project images remotely, additional procedural steps for endotracheal tube insertion, and high costs, with a need to reduce camera size for less invasive medical procedures, especially in pediatric care.
Innovation Solution
A compact video laryngoscope with a camera featuring a light source, image sensor, and optical train, integrated into a support structure and housing, along with a display screen and battery housing, which includes a guide pathway for the endotracheal tube and a camera harness with a polymeric material molding to reduce the camera's cross-sectional area, enabling remote image projection and reduced invasiveness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the camera size is reduced to reduce invasiveness, then the invasiveness of medical procedures is reduced, but the lighting capability and image quality may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple functions into a single compact camera unit: the light source serves both illumination and as a structural element, the optical train performs both imaging and miniaturization functions, and the support structure provides both mechanical support and spatial optimization. This multi-functionality allows the camera to maintain adequate lighting capability while achieving reduced size for less invasive procedures.
2Illumination intensity
If traditional visualization instruments are used, then adequate lighting and image capture are achieved, but fogging occurs and additional procedural steps are required for endotracheal tube insertion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the visualization function and endotracheal tube guidance function into a single integrated instrument. The blade structure with embedded camera and light source eliminates the need for separate visualization and tube insertion steps, reducing procedural complexity while maintaining adequate lighting and image capture capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a heated blade as an intermediary element that serves dual purposes: it provides the optical pathway for visualization and simultaneously prevents fogging through heating. This intermediary solution addresses both the lighting adequacy and procedural simplicity requirements by eliminating fogging-related complications and streamlining the insertion process.
3Loss of information
If traditional instruments are used, then visualization is achieved, but the cost is high and images cannot be projected remotely
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional complex optical projection systems with a digital imaging and electronic display system. The camera captures images electronically, which can then be displayed on remote monitors or mobile devices, eliminating the need for expensive mechanical projection equipment while enabling remote image projection capability. This substitution reduces manufacturing costs and increases versatility.
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 provides clear, remote image projection with reduced procedural invasiveness and cost-effectiveness, enabling less intrusive medical procedures and use in smaller spaces, including pediatric care.
Implementation Method 1
a light source configured to illuminate structures in a target space
Implementation Method 2
an optical train including one or more lenses. The optical train is configured to receive light reflected from the illuminated structures and refract optical images of the illuminated structures to the image sensor
Implementation Method 3
The image sensor generates an image stream including images corresponding to the optical images
Data Source
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AI summary
A visualization instrument comprising a camera including an optical train and an image sensor. The optical train includes at least one lens and may include a prism. Optical images received by the optical train are captured by the image sensor, which may be positioned adjacent the image sensor to reduce the profile of the camera.