Endoscope Illumination System with Offset LED Array
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current illumination systems for endoscopes with variable direction of view face challenges such as light loss, limited rotation range, and mechanical constraints, which restrict the ability to provide uniform and continuous illumination over a wide range without mechanical wear or fiber damage.
Innovation Solution
An illumination system with a source of light arranged in an offset plane relative to the scan plane, utilizing light emitting diodes (LEDs) symmetrically positioned around the pivot axis, allowing for unlimited rotation and adaptive illumination that covers the entire viewing range as the view vector pivots, with an electrical slip-ring for power transmission to avoid mechanical constraints.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If fiber optic channels are used to transmit light from an external source to the scope tip, then illumination can be provided to the viewing site, but light loss occurs during transmission and fiber strands may break
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the light source from the external system and places it directly at the scope tip, eliminating the fiber optic transmission channel. This removes the source of light loss and fiber breakage while providing illumination directly where needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a reflective member as an intermediary between the light source and the viewing field. This reflective member redirects light from LEDs positioned at the scope tip to illuminate the viewing area, solving the transmission loss problem while maintaining effective illumination.
2Adaptability or versatility
If separate illumination reflectors coupled to the imaging reflector are used, then a light field aligned with the viewing field can be provided, but the system cannot be made sufficiently compact for midsize to small endoscopes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the illumination reflector and imaging reflector into a single integrated reflective member. This combination maintains the ability to align illumination with the viewing field while significantly reducing the overall size and complexity of the system, making it suitable for small endoscopes.
Solution Approach 2:
The reflective member serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as both the illumination reflector and the imaging reflector. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate components, reducing system volume while maintaining adaptability for various viewing and illumination requirements.
3Volume of moving object
If fibers are fanned out at the outlet to spread light over the entire viewing range, then the system can be made relatively compact, but only a limited swing range can be illuminated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a rotatable reflective member that can dynamically adjust its orientation to follow the swing range of the imaging reflector. This dynamic adjustment allows the illumination to cover the entire viewing range while maintaining a compact system design, overcoming the limitation of fixed fan-out fiber arrangements.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the entire endoscope is rotated to achieve azimuthal scanning, then complete variable viewing can be accomplished, but the light guide gets wrapped around the instrument
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the light source and illumination system from the rotating portion of the endoscope, placing them in a stationary housing. This allows the imaging reflector to rotate freely for azimuthal scanning while the illumination system remains fixed, preventing light guide wrapping and maintaining system stability.
5Device complexity
If fixed illumination outlets are used, then the system structure is simple, but the illumination field cannot track the moving view vector in variable direction of view instruments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the illumination outlets dynamic by coupling them to a rotatable reflective member that tracks the moving view vector. This allows the illumination field to automatically follow the imaging reflector's movements while maintaining a relatively simple overall system structure, achieving adaptability without excessive 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
The system provides uniform and consistent illumination over a wide range, enabling continuous rotation and reducing mechanical wear, while minimizing power consumption and heat production, and allowing for multispectral and structured lighting.
Implementation Method 1
utilizing light emitting diodes (LEDs) symmetrically positioned around the pivot axis
Implementation Method 2
a rotatable reflective member can be coupled to the imaging reflector so as to redirect light from at least one light emitting diode (LED)
Implementation Method 3
with an electrical slip-ring for power transmission to avoid mechanical constraints
Data Source
AI summary
An illumination system for variable direction of view instruments is disclosed generally comprising an endoscope having a longitudinal axis and a variable view vector that pivots about a pivot axis angularly offset from the longitudinal axis. The view vector has an attendant viewing field that travels along a path as the view vector pivots, defining a viewing range. A source of illumination is arranged in a plane offset from the plane in which the view vector pivots and provides an annular, solid angle of illumination that covers the viewing range. In certain embodiments, the pivot axis is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis and the illumination plane is parallel to the pivot plane. In some embodiments, the source of illumination is a plurality of light emitting diodes arranged around the pivot axis.