Curvature Sensor with Spectral Absorption for Endoscope Bending
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing endoscope shape detection probes face limitations in accurately detecting curvature and bending information, particularly in flexible and narrow spaces, due to the need for multiple light modulation units and wavelength components, which increases complexity and cost.
Innovation Solution
A curvature sensor system utilizing a flexible light guide with multiple sensing parts, each equipped with optical characteristic changing members made of metal particles having unique spectral absorption spectra, allowing for the detection of curvature information through varying optical signal absorption, enabling accurate bending direction and magnitude measurement with a single light guide.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple light modulation units with different wavelength components are used to detect curvature, then measurement precision improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the light modulation function across multiple sensing parts positioned at different locations along the light guide. Each sensing part contains optical characteristic changing members that respond to local bending, allowing curvature detection at multiple points simultaneously without requiring multiple complete light modulation units
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes a single light guide serve multiple detection functions by incorporating multiple sensing parts along its length. Each sensing part can detect curvature in its local region, and the combination of signals from all sensing parts provides comprehensive curvature information for the entire light guide path
2Measurement precision
If multiple sensing parts with different absorption characteristics are used, then curvature detection accuracy improves, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by giving each sensing part specific optical characteristic changing members with tailored absorption spectra. Each sensing part is designed to be sensitive to particular wavelengths, allowing differentiation of bending directions through spectral analysis of light absorbed by each locally-positioned sensing part
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the optical parameters (absorption spectra) of the optical characteristic changing members in different sensing parts to create distinctive absorption fingerprints. This allows the system to distinguish between different bending directions and magnitudes by analyzing which wavelength components are absorbed by which sensing parts
3Device complexity
If a single light guide with multiple sensing parts is used, then device complexity reduces, but detection reliability may worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the detection function into multiple independent sensing parts along a single light guide. Each sensing part independently detects local curvature conditions, providing redundant measurement points that enhance overall detection reliability without requiring multiple separate light guides
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by analyzing the pattern of light absorption across multiple sensing parts and using this information to accurately determine the overall curvature state. The system processes the combined signals from all sensing parts to compensate for individual measurement uncertainties and improve detection reliability
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
This solution allows for precise detection of curvature and bending information in thin, tubular inserts like endoscope sections, reducing the number of light guides and detectors needed, thereby enhancing accuracy and reducing costs while maintaining flexibility and accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
the optical characteristic changing member is made of metal particles to absorb light in a predetermined wavelength region and has a special spectral absorption spectrum different from a spectral absorption spectrum peculiar to the metal
Implementation Method 2
the light guide which has flexibility and confines and guides the sensor light
Data Source
AI summary
Sensing parts are formed in different directions in a circumferential direction in substantially a same position in the longitudinal direction thereof. Each sensing part is configured to include an optical characteristic changing member which generates the optical signals having absorption wavelength characteristic regions that vary from sensing part to sensing part by giving an optical characteristic change, which differs from that of other sensing parts, to the sensor light incident thereon in accordance with an amount of bending in a specific direction. A light detector detects the optical signals included in sensor light from a light source, which has passed through the sensing parts and undergone the optical characteristic change.