Endoscope Connector Using Segmented Ferrule Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Medical endoscopes with smaller channels, particularly those less than 1 mm in size, face challenges in economical sterilization and reuse, leading to increased costs due to disposal after single use, and existing connectors for imaging and working assemblies are bulky, difficult to connect quickly, and lack precise positional accuracy.
Innovation Solution
A connector system that optically couples a disposable working assembly with an imaging assembly using an active optical element, allowing precise alignment of imaging fiber cores within a focal plane for direct image transfer without intervening elements, enabling efficient and economical sterilization and reuse of the imaging assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional connectors are used to connect working assembly to imaging assembly, then connection is achieved, but the connector is bulky and difficult to manipulate
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is divided into two separate fittings: an imaging assembly connector fitting with a ferrule and an alignment bore, and a working assembly connector fitting with a complementary ferrule and alignment features. This segmentation allows each fitting to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall compactness and ease of manipulation.
2Productivity
If conventional connectors are used to connect working assembly to imaging assembly, then connection is achieved, but connection speed is slow
Solution Approach 1:
The connector fittings are pre-configured with complementary alignment features including alignment bores, alignment pins, and keyed surfaces that automatically guide the fittings into proper alignment during insertion. This preliminary alignment configuration enables rapid connection without requiring manual adjustment or complex alignment procedures.
3Measurement precision
If conventional connectors are used to connect working assembly to imaging assembly, then connection is achieved, but positional accuracy is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
A ferrule is introduced as an intermediary component that precisely positions the imaging fiber bundle within the alignment bore. The ferrule acts as a mediator between the working assembly and imaging assembly, ensuring sub-micron positional accuracy of the fiber cores relative to the optical assembly while maintaining a simple overall connector design.
4Length of moving object
If smaller endoscope probes are used to perform intricate surgery through small incisions, then patient recovery time is reduced, but sterilization and reuse becomes problematic
Solution Approach 1:
The endoscope is divided into a reusable imaging assembly and a disposable working assembly. The working assembly containing the small probe can be disposed of after single use, eliminating sterilization concerns, while the expensive imaging assembly is protected and can be reused multiple times.
Solution Approach 2:
The working assembly is designed as a disposable, single-use component that can be discarded after one procedure, eliminating the need for complex sterilization processes. This allows the use of small probes without the reliability issues associated with sterilizing delicate instruments.
5Ease of manufacture
If working assembly is made disposable with short imaging fiber, then unit cost decreases, but connection precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The ferrule serves as a precision intermediary that compensates for variations in fiber positioning during manufacturing. By providing a mechanically precise reference surface and alignment features, the ferrule ensures consistent sub-micron alignment accuracy regardless of minor manufacturing tolerances in the disposable working assembly.
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 connector system facilitates cost-effective, precise, and efficient transfer of images between the working and imaging assemblies, allowing for the reuse of the imaging assembly and disposable working assembly, reducing endoscopy costs and improving procedural efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
An imaging fiber bundle can have a distal end arranged to receive images of a field of view and a proximal end that transmits the images
Implementation Method 2
The connector fittings are configured to position a proximal end of the imaging fiber cores of the imaging fiber bundle in a predetermined location in three dimensions relative to the active optical element. The predetermined location is within the focal plane of the active optical element
Data Source
AI summary
An exemplary embodiment providing one or more improvements includes an endoscope connector for connecting any given one of a plurality of working assemblies to an imaging assembly.