Disposable LED Light Source for Endoscope Illumination
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional light source systems for medical instruments, such as endoscopes and lighted retractors, are cumbersome and require complex sterilization processes due to their stationary nature and reliance on fiber optic cables, making them inconvenient and inefficient in clinical settings.
Innovation Solution
A portable, disposable light source unit with a housing, a light emitting diode, and a battery, activated by a removable pull tab, which provides a constant light output and automatically de-energizes when the battery charge falls below a threshold, eliminating the need for cables and complex sterilization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a stationary light source unit with fiber optic cable is used, then the instrument can be illuminated, but the system becomes cumbersome and requires expensive sterilization processes
Solution Approach 1:
The light source unit is segmented into separate components: a portable light source assembly with LED and battery, and a separate instrument. The light guide acts as an independent connector, eliminating the need for a stationary light source and complex cable management system.
Solution Approach 2:
The light source is extracted from the stationary unit and integrated directly into the portable assembly that attaches to the instrument. This removes the cumbersome fiber optic cable connection to a fixed cart and allows the light source to move with the instrument.
2Ease of operation
If a portable light source unit is used, then the system becomes lightweight and convenient, but electrical connection reliability must be ensured
Solution Approach 1:
The pull tab is pre-positioned to maintain electrical isolation between the battery and light source during storage and transport. Upon activation, the user simply removes the pull tab, which automatically completes the electrical circuit and activates the LED, ensuring reliable connection without complex switching mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The pull tab serves as an intermediary element that controls the electrical connection. It physically bridges the circuit when removed, providing a simple yet reliable mechanism for activating the light source while maintaining safety during storage.
3Illumination intensity
If driver circuitry with inline fuse is used, then constant current is provided to the LED, but the circuit complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The driver circuitry with inline fuse provides self-regulating constant current to the LED. The circuit automatically maintains stable illumination without external control, and the fuse provides automatic protection against overcurrent conditions, eliminating the need for complex external circuitry or manual intervention.
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 portable light source unit offers a convenient, lightweight, and sterile solution that simplifies illumination for medical instruments, reducing clutter and sterilization burdens while ensuring consistent light output until battery depletion.
Implementation Method 1
a battery mounted within the housing for powering the light emitting diode
Implementation Method 2
a light source comprising a light emitting diode mounted within the housing
Data Source
AI summary
A portable light source unit for being coupled to an instrument is provided. The unit includes a housing having a port for receiving a light guide end tip of the instrument, a battery and LED mounted within the housing, and a pull tab that extends through the housing and electrically isolates the LED from the battery. Upon removal of the pull tab, an electrical connection is completed between the battery and the LED. The unit also includes driver circuitry for the LED ensuring that a constant level of current is provided to the LED so that the LED produces light of a constant brightness. The driver circuitry also produces a current spike for breaking an inline fuse when a remaining charge of the battery is unable to provide a voltage at the constant level of current above a pre-determined threshold level thereby de-energizing the LED.