Endoscope Light Source with Integrated LED Array
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current endoscopic light source units are inefficient, generate excessive heat, and cannot adjust color temperature, leading to inadequate image quality and hazardous infrared heat transmission during medical procedures.
Innovation Solution
An LED-based light source unit integrated into the endoscope with a thermally conductive substrate and heat dissipation mechanisms, allowing for adjustable color temperature and increased light output through multiple LEDs, which can be powered by batteries or the camera, and is designed to be disposable to manage heat and size constraints.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If multiple LEDs are integrated into the tip or annular area of the scope shaft, then light output can be increased, but the space available is limited and heat dissipation becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The light source is divided into multiple separate LED units distributed around the scope shaft, with each LED having its own heat dissipation path through the scope shaft wall to the external environment. This segmentation allows multiple light sources without concentrating heat in a single location.
Solution Approach 2:
Heat dissipation is moved from the internal LED location to the external surface of the scope shaft by conducting heat through the shaft wall. This transfers the heat dissipation function to a different spatial dimension (from internal to external surface area).
2Illumination intensity
If high-intensity light is generated to compensate for distance and losses, then illumination at the surgical site is sufficient, but infrared heat energy is transmitted into the patient creating hazardous conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The light source is extracted from the remote location and placed directly at the surgical site. This eliminates the need for high-intensity light generation to compensate for transmission losses, thereby removing the source of harmful infrared heat transmission through the patient's body.
Solution Approach 2:
The proximity of the LED to the surgical site, which could potentially cause localized heating, is converted into a benefit by enabling precise control of illumination only where needed, reducing overall energy consumption and eliminating the need for high-power transmission through the patient.
3Length of moving object
If LEDs are placed in the tip or annular area of the scope shaft, then the light source is closer to the surgical site, but the design must be specifically tailored for each endoscope size
Solution Approach 1:
The LED assembly is designed as a universal component that can be adapted to different endoscope sizes and configurations. The modular design allows the same basic LED unit to be installed in various positions (tip, annular area, or side) depending on the specific endoscope model, providing versatility across different surgical applications.
4Device complexity
If the light source is integrated into the endoscope, then the light cable is eliminated, but the space inside the tip or annular area is very limited
Solution Approach 1:
The LED and its support structure are nested within the existing endoscope architecture, utilizing the hollow interior space of the scope shaft. The LED assembly is positioned within the structural confines of the shaft, effectively nesting the light source within the existing design rather than adding external bulk.
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 efficient, adjustable illumination with reduced heat generation, improving image quality and safety by allowing for increased light output without compromising LED lifespan and accommodating different endoscope sizes.
Implementation Method 1
The light source unit is integrated into a proximal end of an endoscope and includes an array of light-emitting elements to produce illumination through the endoscope for a camera
Implementation Method 2
An LED-based light source unit integrated into the endoscope with a thermally conductive substrate and heat dissipation mechanisms
Data Source
AI summary
An LED based light source unit for an endoscopic imaging system produces illumination for a camera through an endoscope. The light source unit includes an array of LEDs mounted to a thermally conductive substrate. The light source unit is integrated into the proximal end of an endoscope and coupled directly to the optical fibers running to the tip of the endoscope. A plurality of such light source units may be integrated into the housing of an endoscope. Light emitted from each light source unit is directed to a distinctive section of the endoscope's tip and a doctor may control light output of each individual light source unit during a surgery.