Endoscope Optical Coupler Coatings for Glare and Fogging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing endoscope coupler devices suffer from issues such as fluid condensation leading to fogging and reflected light causing glare, which obstruct the view of the target site, and are prone to bacterial contamination due to hard-to-clean areas like the elevator mechanism.
Innovation Solution
A coupler device with optical components that reduce reflected light and inhibit condensation, featuring anti-reflective coatings and anti-fogging layers, along with a flexible working channel extension that can be articulated to maintain a clear view and prevent bacterial ingress.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If a transparent visualization section is used to allow light passage, then optical clarity is improved, but fluid condensation occurs on the surface causing fogging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies an anti-fogging coating to the visualization section that changes the surface properties of the optical component. This coating modifies the surface energy and wetting characteristics to prevent fluid condensation while maintaining optical clarity, directly resolving the contradiction between transparency and condensation resistance.
Solution Approach 2:
The visualization section combines a transparent optical material with an anti-fogging coating layer, creating a composite structure. The coating layer has different surface properties than the base optical material, providing both optical transmission and anti-condensation functionality simultaneously.
2Measurement precision
If the visualization section is positioned to align with the camera lens, then image quality is improved, but reflected light from tissue surfaces causes glare
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a light-absorbing material into the coupler device that converts harmful reflected light into absorbed energy. The light-absorbing material is positioned to intercept reflected light from tissue surfaces and convert it to heat, eliminating glare while preserving the aligned image quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The light-absorbing material is strategically positioned in specific locations within the coupler device where reflected light is most likely to enter the optical path. This localized placement targets the harmful reflected light without affecting the overall optical alignment and image quality.
3Productivity
If the endoscope is reused multiple times, then productivity is improved, but bacterial contamination accumulates in hard-to-clean areas
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the endoscope system into a reusable endoscope and a disposable coupler device. The coupler device acts as a separable component that can be discarded after single use, preventing bacterial contamination of the reusable endoscope while maintaining productivity through repeated endoscope utilization.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupler device is designed as a disposable component that replaces the need for cleaning and sterilization of the endoscope between procedures. This single-use coupler prevents bacterial ingress into the endoscope's internal components, allowing the expensive endoscope to be reused without contamination risk.
4Reliability
If the coupler device seals the distal end of the endoscope, then protection from bacteria is improved, but the view of the target site may be obstructed
Solution Approach 1:
The coupler device employs a flexible, transparent visualization section that seals the distal end of the endoscope while maintaining optical transparency. The flexible shell design provides sealing against bacteria and debris while the transparent material allows clear visualization of the target site without obstruction.
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 device provides a clear, glare-free view of the target site while reducing the risk of infection by sealing and protecting the endoscope's distal end from debris and bacteria, enhancing the scope's performance and longevity.
Implementation Method 1
The visualization section includes an optical component configured to reduce reflected light from the surface(s) of the visualization section
Implementation Method 2
The optical component is configured to inhibit condensation of fluid on the surface(s) of the visualization section
Data Source
AI summary
A coupler device for an endoscope that includes a main body having a proximal end configured to attach to the distal end portion of the endoscope, and a protective cover to reduce the ingress of debris, fluid, bacteria, or other unwanted matter from the working end of the endoscope which could lead to infection and decreased performance of the scope. The coupler device further includes a visualization section on the main body between the camera lens and light source of the endoscope and the target site within the patient. The visualization section includes one or more optical components configured to reduce an amount of reflected light from the surface and/or to inhibit condensation of water droplets on the surface. Reducing the glare and/or fogging of the visualization section significantly improves the surgeon's view of the target site through the optical coupler.