Endoscope Light Source Safety Optical Sensor Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional endoscopic systems lack a method to detect the presence of an endoscope on a waveguide without using a specialized cable, leading to potential damage from unattenuated light when the endoscope is disconnected.

Innovation Solution

An optical detection system that uses visible light transmitted along an illumination path, a reflector, and a detector to generate a signal indicative of the endoscope's presence, allowing control of the light source and attenuation without requiring electrical conductors or a custom waveguide.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a specialized cable with electrical conductors and sensors is used to detect endoscope presence, then detection capability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveendoscope presence detectionVSAvoidcable structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical/electrical detection system (electrical conductors and switches in the cable) with an optical detection system. A radiation source emits radiation through the waveguide, and a detector on the waveguide surface detects the reflected radiation from the endoscope's illumination attenuator, eliminating the need for electrical conductors running the length of the cable.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces radiation (light) as an intermediary to detect endoscope presence. The radiation source emits radiation through the waveguide, which interacts with the endoscope's illumination attenuator, and the reflected radiation serves as the detection signal, replacing direct electrical contact detection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Illumination intensity

If high powered xenon lamps are used for illumination, then illumination intensity is improved, but harmful effects increase when endoscope is disconnected

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelight outputVSAvoidlight damage to patient skin or operating drapes

Core Design Contradiction:

Illumination intensityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback control system where the detector continuously monitors for the presence of the endoscope by detecting reflected radiation. When the endoscope is detected, the system allows high powered illumination; when not detected, the system automatically attenuates or shuts off the light source, preventing damage to patient skin or operating drapes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent performs preliminary detection of endoscope presence before allowing high powered illumination to proceed. The radiation source and detector are positioned to detect the endoscope's presence in advance, enabling the system to prepare appropriate illumination levels or safety attenuation before actual illumination begins.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

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

Effectively prevents light damage by detecting the endoscope's presence and controlling the light source, adaptable to existing systems without specialized cables, ensuring safe operation and compatibility with various endoscopic instruments.

Implementation Method 1

a first reflector connected to said illumination attenuator for reflecting at least a portion of the radiation received by said illumination attenuator; and a detector for receiving at least a portion of the radiation reflected from said first reflector

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectReflection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentUS7563010B2Endoscopic light source safety and control system with optical sensor

Publication Date: 2009.07.21 KARL STORZ ENDOVISION INC

AI summary

Disclosed is an endoscope light source safety system including visible light transmitted along an illumination path; a source for providing radiation along at least a portion of the illumination path; an illumination attenuator connectable to the illumination path for receiving said visible light and the radiation; a first reflector connected to said illumination attenuator for reflecting at least a portion of the radiation received by said illumination attenuator; a combiner for combining the radiation from said source into the illumination path; and a detector for receiving at least a portion of the radiation reflected from said first reflector and for generating a signal indicative of the receipt of visible light by said illumination attenuator.