Endoscope Light Adapter for Disposable Scope Compatibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional endoscopes require cleaning and sterilization, and their imaging and control systems are often configured for reusable scopes, making it difficult to adapt disposable endoscopes that are compatible and cost-effective, especially due to the need for light transmission systems that can be fragile and expensive.
Innovation Solution
The development of adapters that include light sensors to convert light parameters from existing imaging and control systems into electronic instructions for on-board light generators in disposable endoscopes, allowing for compatible and cost-effective use with existing systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If disposable endoscopes with on-board light generators are used, then the need for cleaning and sterilization is eliminated, but compatibility with existing imaging and control systems is lost
Solution Approach 1:
An adapter is introduced as an intermediary device that connects the disposable endoscope to the existing imaging and control system. The adapter includes a light conductor that receives light from the system's light generator and transmits it to a sensor, which then generates electrical signals to control the endoscope's on-board light generator, thereby enabling compatibility without requiring cleaning or sterilization of the endoscope itself
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the direct mechanical/optical connection (light conductor from imaging system to endoscope) with an electrical control system. The adapter uses light sensors to detect light parameters and converts them into electrical control signals that drive the on-board LED light generator, substituting the mechanical light transmission path with an electrical control pathway
2Ease of operation
If light conductors are used to transmit light from imaging and control systems, then lighting control is achieved, but the light conductors become fragile and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the light conductor from the endoscope assembly and relocates it to the reusable adapter component. This allows the fragile light conductor to be separated from the disposable endoscope, eliminating the risk of conductor damage during endoscope handling while maintaining lighting control capability through the adapter's sensor and electrical control system
Solution Approach 2:
The endoscope with its on-board LED light generator is designed as a disposable, inexpensive component that does not require fragile light conductors. The expensive and fragile light conductor is confined to the reusable adapter, while the disposable endoscope uses robust LED technology that eliminates the need for delicate optical fibers
3Adaptability or versatility
If reusable endoscopes with light transmitters are used, then compatibility with imaging systems is maintained, but the need for cleaning and sterilization increases costs and time
Solution Approach 1:
The system is segmented into three distinct components: the reusable imaging and control system, the reusable adapter that handles light transmission and signal conversion, and the disposable endoscope. This segmentation allows the endoscope to be discarded after single use, eliminating cleaning and sterilization requirements, while the adapter and imaging system remain compatible through standardized interfaces
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
Enables the use of disposable endoscopes with existing imaging and control systems, eliminating the need for cleaning and sterilization, while providing reliable and affordable lighting solutions by translating light control signals to on-board light generators.
Implementation Method 1
a sensor disposed within the housing to receive light waves emitted from the light conducting element; a converter connected to the sensor to convert light waves into an electrical signal
Data Source
AI summary
An adapter for an endoscope system comprises a housing, a light conducting element, a sensor to receive light waves emitted from the light conducting element, a converter connected to the sensor to convert light waves into an electrical signal comprising instructions for generating light with a light generator of an endoscope, and an electrical coupler connected to the converter to convey the electrical signal out of the housing to the endoscope. A method for communicating light control signals from an imaging and control system to an endoscope having light generating capabilities comprises generating light with a light generator, receiving light from the light generator at an adapter, sensing an intensity of light with a sensor, converting the intensity sensed by the sensor to light control signals for generating light with a light generator of the endoscope, and transmitting the light control signal to the light generator of the endoscope.