Endoscope Light Source Cooling via Liquid Conduit Contact
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Solution Overview
Problem
Endoscopes face challenges in cooling heat-generating components, such as LEDs, within the operation portion without incurring additional costs or requiring new cooling systems, as existing solutions often rely on external cooling methods that are costly or inefficient.
Innovation Solution
Integration of a liquid feeding tube, which is a conventional functional component, to absorb heat from the LED through a fiber fixation block, utilizing the existing perfusion and suction functionality to cool the LED without the need for a dedicated cooling tube, thereby leveraging the endoscope's existing structure for low-cost cooling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If a light source apparatus is mounted in the operation portion of the endoscope, then illumination function is improved, but temperature of the light source apparatus increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful heat generated by the LED light source into a beneficial cooling mechanism by having the liquid feeding tube, which carries perfusion fluid, come into direct contact with the light source apparatus. The perfusion fluid absorbs heat from the LED during its normal flow path, transforming the waste heat into a cooling effect that maintains LED temperature without requiring additional cooling components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the liquid feeding tube serve multiple functions: it not only delivers perfusion fluid to the distal end for its intended medical function but also acts as a heat transfer medium to cool the light source apparatus. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate cooling systems while maintaining the LED's illumination performance.
2Temperature
If external cooling equipment is used to cool the light source apparatus, then temperature control is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-service cooling mechanism where the endoscope's own liquid feeding system provides the cooling function. The perfusion fluid, which must flow through the insertion portion anyway, simultaneously cools the light source apparatus through thermal contact. This self-service approach eliminates external cooling equipment and reduces device complexity while maintaining effective temperature control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the cooling function with the existing liquid feeding function by routing the liquid feeding tube to contact the light source apparatus. Instead of adding a separate cooling system, the design combines thermal management with the perfusion delivery system, reducing overall device complexity and eliminating the need for external cooling equipment.
3Temperature
If the liquid feeding tube is routed to contact the light source apparatus, then cooling effect is improved, but device structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the liquid feeding tube into two functional portions: a first portion that delivers perfusion fluid to the distal end and a second portion that contacts the light source apparatus for cooling. This segmentation allows the single tube to serve dual purposes without requiring additional components, maintaining structural simplicity while achieving effective cooling.
Solution Approach 2:
The liquid feeding tube is designed to perform multiple functions within a single component structure. By routing the tube to contact both the distal end (for perfusion) and the light source apparatus (for cooling), the design achieves multi-functionality without increasing device complexity, as the same tube serves both purposes.
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 configuration effectively reduces the temperature of the LED and light source apparatus, maintains illumination intensity, and reduces the risk of damage or failure, while eliminating the need for external cooling measures, thus providing a cost-effective and efficient cooling solution.
Implementation Method 1
a second portion located inside the exterior body and in contact with an outer surface of the light source apparatus
Data Source
AI summary
An insertion instrument comprises an insertion portion, an operation portion located proximally relative to the insertion portion. The operation portion includes a housing having an exterior body, a light source apparatus located inside the exterior body, a conduit for a fluid. The conduit includes a first portion located outside the exterior body, a second portion located inside the exterior body and in contact with an outer surface of the light source apparatus.