Endoscope Optical Guide Head Using Gradient Refractive Index Bar
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current endoscopic devices for medical imaging, particularly ocular imaging, face challenges such as degraded image quality due to rigid metal tubes limiting light transmission, complex and expensive manufacturing of optical guide heads, and difficulties in sterilization leading to premature aging.
Innovation Solution
An endoscopic device featuring a refractive index gradient optical bar that combines the functions of an invasive rod and optical waveguide, eliminating the need for a rigid metal tube and reducing the complexity of optical fiber bundles, while allowing for improved light transmission and easier handling, and incorporating a one-piece assembly for single-use hygiene.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a rigid metal tube is used to ensure structural stability during insertion, then the mechanical strength is improved, but the light transmission is reduced and image quality deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the metal tube structure from the optical guide head, extracting the harmful element that blocked light transmission. The optical guide head is formed directly from optical material without a surrounding metal tube, allowing maximum light transmission while maintaining structural integrity through the optical material itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite optical structures where the optical guide head is made from optical-grade materials with specific refractive indices. The design uses materials that provide both the necessary mechanical strength for insertion and optimal optical transmission properties, replacing the metal-tube-composite structure with a pure optical material construction.
2Reliability
If optical lenses or fiber bundles are used in the optical guide head, then the optical guidance function is achieved, but the manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the structural support function and the optical guidance function into a single integrated optical guide head structure. The optical guide head itself serves as both the mechanical element for insertion and the optical waveguide, eliminating the need for separate metal tube, optical lenses, and fiber bundle assemblies.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical guide head is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural rigidity for insertion, acts as the protective housing, and serves as the optical waveguide for light transmission. This multi-functional design simplifies the overall device architecture and reduces manufacturing complexity.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If autoclave sterilization is performed on the endoscope components, then the hygiene safety is improved, but the components undergo premature aging and degradation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent adopts a disposable optical guide head design where the optical guide head is intended for single use and then discarded. This eliminates the need for repeated autoclave sterilization cycles that cause aging and degradation. The gripping means can be sterilized and reused, while the optical guide head is replaced for each procedure, ensuring hygiene without compromising component lifespan.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If the optical guide head is designed for single-use hygiene, then the hygiene safety is improved, but the manufacturing cost per unit increases
Solution Approach 1:
The integration of multiple functions into the optical guide head structure reduces the total component count and assembly complexity. This streamlined design lowers manufacturing costs despite the single-use nature, making the disposable approach economically viable while maintaining high hygiene standards.
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 solution provides higher quality images, reduces manufacturing costs, and ensures better hygiene through single-use design, facilitating easier handling and improved image interpretation.
Implementation Method 1
an optical guide head consisting of an optical bar with a refractive index gradient... allowing the transport of light from an observed object to an image sensor
Implementation Method 2
optical bar with a refractive index gradient... each treated so as to form an image of the object observed from light rays coming from the object to be visualized
Data Source
Figure 1~2
AI summary
The subject matter is an endoscopic device (1) comprising an optical guide head (2) intended to be at least partially inserted into a body or a cavity in order to view or image an object or a site that is poorly accessible to the naked eye. The optical guide head of such an endoscopic device is formed from an optical rod with a refractive index gradient.