Endoscope Light Guide Layout for Distal Illumination in Tight Tip Space
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing endoscope illumination systems face challenges such as space constraints, heat dissipation issues, and difficulty in achieving desired light distribution due to the use of LEDs and complex optical fiber arrangements, which are not suitable for disposable endoscopes.
Innovation Solution
An endoscope design utilizing a single single-core light fiber connected to an elongated single-piece rigid light guide with multiple distal ends, allowing for controlled light distribution and reduced electrical wiring, while incorporating a remote light source to alleviate heat and space constraints.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If LEDs are used in the tip of the endoscope, then illumination is achieved, but space is consumed and heat dissipation becomes problematic
Solution Approach 1:
The light source is extracted from the tip part and relocated to a remote position in the handle. Only a flexible light guide (optical fiber) is brought into the tip part to deliver light, removing the heat-generating LED and power supply from the constrained tip space while maintaining illumination functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
A flexible light guide (optical fiber) is introduced as an intermediary element to transfer light from the remote light source in the handle to the tip part. This mediator enables light delivery without requiring the light source itself to be present in the tip, resolving the space and heat dissipation conflicts.
2Illumination intensity
If multiple LEDs are used to achieve desired light distribution, then illumination quality improves, but device complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The light guide is segmented into multiple branches (first and second light guides) that can be selectively activated. This segmentation allows different illumination patterns to be achieved by controlling different branches, providing versatile light distribution without requiring multiple independent LED sources in the tip.
Solution Approach 2:
A single remote light source serves multiple functions by illuminating different areas through the flexible light guide's multiple branches. The light guide system can adapt to provide various illumination patterns (e.g., forward illumination, lateral illumination) using one light source instead of requiring multiple dedicated LEDs for each function.
3Use of energy by moving object
If electrical supply wires are drawn to the tip part, then LEDs can be powered, but the bending section becomes more complex and less suitable for disposable endoscopes
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical power supply and control electronics are extracted from the tip part and relocated to the handle. The tip part contains only passive optical components (flexible light guide), eliminating the need for complex electrical wiring through the bending section and making the endoscope suitable for disposable use.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrical system is replaced with an optical system for light delivery. Instead of drawing electrical power to the tip, the patent uses optical energy transmission through the flexible light guide, substituting the mechanical/electrical infrastructure with a simpler optical pathway that requires no power supply at the distal end.
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 improved light distribution, reduced heat generation, and easier manufacturing, resulting in enhanced illumination and image quality with efficient use of space and materials.
Implementation Method 1
a single single-core light fibre and an elongated single-piece light guide, where the proximal light guide end receives said one single single-core light fibre only
Implementation Method 2
the at least one distal light guide end has an end surface adapted for emitting the light from the light source
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4~5
Figure 6~8d
AI summary
The endoscope (1) comprises hollow handle housing (2) and an insertion tube (3). The insertion tube (3) comprises a tip part at the distal end of the endoscope (1). The tip part (6) comprises an illumination arrangement with an elongated single-piece light guide having a proximal light guide end and at least one distal light guide end, where the proximal light guide end is adapted for receiving at least one light fibre. The at least one distal light guide end has an end surface adapted for emitting the light from a light source (14). The cross-section of the proximal light guide end differs from the cross section of the at least one distal light guide end.