Interchangeable Endoscope Field of View Device
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Solution Overview
Problem
The high cost and complexity of maintaining a variety of endoscopes with different fields of view in medical facilities, leading to excessive procurement and maintenance expenses.
Innovation Solution
A field of view device for endoscopes that can be easily combined with a standard image transmission device to alter the field of view and focusing capabilities, using optical components like prisms, mirrors, or lenses, allowing for different viewing directions and sizes, and enabling the use of a single image transmission device with multiple field of view devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple different endoscopes are procured to provide different fields of view, then the versatility and adaptability of the medical facility is improved, but the procurement cost and maintenance expense increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The endoscope system is segmented into two independent parts: a reusable image transmission device and interchangeable field of view devices. This segmentation allows the expensive image transmission device to be shared while the cheaper field of view devices are swapped to provide different viewing angles, thereby reducing the total number of endoscopes needed while maintaining versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The image transmission device is designed with universal compatibility to work with multiple types of field of view devices. This multi-functionality allows a single image transmission device to serve multiple purposes by simply changing the attached field of view device, eliminating the need to procure separate endoscopes for different applications.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple different endoscopes are maintained to provide different fields of view, then the adaptability for different medical uses is improved, but the maintenance complexity and expense increase
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the endoscope into modular components, the maintenance burden is reduced. The field of view devices can be independently cleaned, disinfected, and replaced without affecting the image transmission device, simplifying maintenance procedures and reducing the complexity of managing multiple complete endoscope systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The field of view devices are designed as disposable or easily replaceable components that can be discarded after use and replaced with sterile ones. This approach eliminates the need for complex maintenance and sterilization procedures for multiple complete endoscopes, while the expensive image transmission device is recovered and reused.
3Quantity of substance
If a single image transmission device is used with multiple field of view devices, then the procurement cost is reduced, but the device complexity increases due to interchangeable components
Solution Approach 1:
The connection interface between the image transmission device and field of view devices is designed to be universal and straightforward. This universality allows different field of view devices to be easily attached and detached without complex alignment or configuration procedures, minimizing the operational complexity despite the interchangeable nature of the system.
4Ease of repair
If field of view devices are made interchangeable and replaceable, then the ease of replacement and cost reduction is improved, but the sealing and sterility maintenance becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The field of view devices are designed as disposable components that are discarded after a single use or a limited number of uses. This approach ensures sterility is maintained without the need for complex re-sterilization procedures, as each new field of view device comes pre-sterilized. The low cost of these disposable components allows for frequent replacement while maintaining high standards of hygiene.
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 significantly reduces the number of image transmission devices needed, lowers costs by allowing multiple field of view devices to be used interchangeably, and enables brighter, low-noise images with adjustable focus and illumination, while maintaining sterility and ease of use.
Implementation Method 1
The optical device is designed in particular to at least either break or reflect or diffract light
Implementation Method 2
The optical device is designed in particular to at least either break or reflect or diffract light
Implementation Method 3
The optical device is designed in particular to at least either break or reflect or diffract light
Data Source
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AI summary
The device (61) has a channel, which connects a proximal end and a distal end of the device, for receiving an image transfer device. An optical device e.g. prism (87) or lens, is formed at the distal end, so as to influence a view field or focusing of the transfer device. The channel allows rotation of the image transfer device around a longitudinal axis in the channel. An adjusting device e.g. thread (68), rotatable sleeve (71) and counter thread (78). adjustably fixes a position of the transfer device in a longitudinal direction in the channel. Independent claims are also included for the following: (1) an image transfer device comprising a shaft (2) a method for providing an endoscope for successive utilization of the endoscope (3) a method for autoclaving of a view field device for an image transfer device.