Endoscope Illumination Window Layout for Tool and Target Visibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ultrasound endoscopes face issues with inadequate illumination of the treatment tool and treatment target region due to the positioning of illumination windows, leading to reduced visibility and potential halation, especially in narrow lumens, and require a larger diameter for the distal end part to accommodate light guides.
Innovation Solution
The endoscope design includes a first illumination window positioned opposite to the treatment tool delivery port with a smaller inclination angle, ensuring adequate illumination and reducing the diameter of the distal end part, while a second illumination window provides additional illumination coverage, and both windows are aligned with the observation window's field of view to enhance visibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If the illumination window is positioned closer to the distal end side than the treatment tool delivery port, then the illumination light can reach the treatment target region, but the illumination light may not hit the treatment tool and the visibility of the treatment tool and target region is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the illumination function into multiple illumination windows positioned at different locations and angles. Specifically, it positions illumination windows at both sides of the treatment tool delivery port in the width direction, with each window having different inclination angles. This segmentation allows different portions of the treatment tool and target region to be illuminated reliably, solving the visibility problem while maintaining adequate illumination intensity.
2Reliability
If the illumination window is positioned at a larger inclination angle to illuminate the treatment tool, then the visibility improves, but the diameter of the distal end part increases due to light guide accommodation requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different inclination angles to different illumination windows based on their specific functions. Illumination windows positioned at both sides of the treatment tool delivery port have different inclination angles optimized for their respective positions. This local optimization allows each window to provide adequate illumination without requiring excessive diameter increase, as each window's inclination is tailored to its specific location and illumination requirement.
3Device complexity
If a single illumination window is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the illumination coverage and visibility of both treatment tool and target region are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The multiple illumination windows are designed to work together as an integrated illumination system. Each illumination window serves the dual purpose of illuminating both the treatment tool and the treatment target region, depending on the elevator rotation position. This multi-functional design ensures comprehensive illumination coverage without requiring separate illumination systems for different components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity.
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 design ensures reliable illumination of the treatment tool and target region, improves visibility, and reduces the diameter of the distal end part by optimizing the placement and angle of illumination windows, addressing visibility and space constraints.
Implementation Method 1
a light guide (optical fiber cable) that guides the illumination light from the light source device to the illumination window is inserted into the insertion part
Data Source
AI summary
The endoscope includes a distal end body, a treatment tool, an elevator, an ultrasonic transducer, an observation window, and a first illumination window. The treatment tool delivery port is formed in a distal end part body and allows the treatment tool to be delivered therethrough. The elevator controls a delivery direction of the treatment tool delivered from the treatment tool delivery port. The observation window is positioned on the proximate end side of the ultrasonic transducer and has a full viewing angle of θc. The first illumination window is positioned on the proximate end side of the ultrasonic transducer and has a full irradiation range of θL. As Δθ is a difference between a first illumination axis angle and an observation axis angle, Δθ satisfies Δθ<((θL/2)−(θc/2)).