Endoscope Dissolution Layer for Adhesion Removal

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing capsule endoscopes face issues with sticky objects adhering to the transparent cover, affecting imaging quality, despite strict dietary restrictions and the complexity of the digestive system.

Innovation Solution

An endoscope design featuring a transparent cover with a soluble dissolution layer that dissolves in digestive juices, combined with a fisheye lens and a sealed housing containing a light source and image sensor, to prevent sticky objects from interfering with imaging.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a transparent cover is used to protect the optical imaging device, then the device is protected, but sticky objects in the digestive system adhere to the cover and affect imaging quality

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotection of optical imaging deviceVSAvoidadhesion of sticky objects to transparent cover

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The transparent cover is segmented into an inner seal cover and an outer dissolution layer. The dissolution layer is designed to dissolve after a predetermined time, removing the surface that attracts sticky objects while the seal cover remains to protect the optical imaging device.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The dissolution layer acts as an intermediary between the seal cover and the digestive environment. It provides the protective function initially, then dissolves to eliminate the adhesion problem, while the seal cover serves as a permanent protective barrier underneath.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If dietary restrictions are imposed to prevent adhesion, then imaging quality may be improved, but patient convenience and comfort are significantly reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadhesion of sticky objectsVSAvoidpatient convenience

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The dissolution layer provides a self-service solution by automatically dissolving in the digestive environment after a predetermined time. This eliminates the need for patients to follow strict dietary restrictions, as the system self-regulates to prevent adhesion issues.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If the transparent cover remains intact throughout the examination, then continuous protection is provided, but adhesion issues persist throughout the examination

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontinuous protectionVSAvoidpersistent adhesion problems

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The transparent cover transitions from a static structure to a dynamic one. The dissolution layer changes from intact to dissolved after a predetermined time, transforming the cover from a permanent protective barrier to a temporary one that eliminates adhesion issues while the seal cover provides ongoing protection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

4Object-affected harmful factors

If a dissolution layer is added to the transparent cover, then adhesion problems are resolved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadhesion preventionVSAvoidstructure of transparent cover

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The dissolution layer is implemented as a thin film coating on the seal cover. This maintains the overall simplicity of the device while providing the necessary adhesion prevention function through the dissolvable coating.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

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 dissolution layer effectively removes sticky objects from the transparent cover, improving imaging quality by preventing interference and enhancing the endoscope's ability to capture clear images within the digestive system.

Implementation Method 1

the dissolution layer including a soluble material that can dissolve in digestive juices

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDissolution: Solvation

Data Source

PatentUS10194787B2Endoscope and method of manufacturing the same, and medical detection system

Publication Date: 2019.02.05 BOE TECHNOLOGY GROUP CO LTD

AI summary

The present invention discloses an endoscope and a method of manufacturing the endoscope, and a medical detection system. The endoscope includes a housing; and a transparent cover structure, which includes a seal cover and at least one dissolution layer, the at least one dissolution layer wrapping around an outer surface of the seal cover, and the dissolution layer including a soluble material that can dissolve in digestive juices, wherein the housing and the transparent cover structure are connected in a sealed manner to form a sealed space, and the sealed space is provided therein with: an optical lens, which is provided in a region of the sealed space close to the transparent cover structure; a light source, which is provided in a region around the optical lens; and an image sensor, which is provided to correspond with the optical lens.