Endoscope Optical Assembly Merging Near-Infrared and Visible Light Paths

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional endoscope systems require separate procedures for near-infrared and visible light endoscopy, increasing operation time and costs, and causing patient discomfort due to repetitive procedures.

Innovation Solution

An optical assembly and light source device that combines multiple light sources into a single endoscope, using a beam splitter to direct different light sources into the same optical path, allowing simultaneous transmission of various light types through a single endoscope.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If separate endoscope procedures are used for near-infrared and visible light endoscopy, then each procedure can be performed with dedicated equipment, but operation time increases and patient suffers from repetitive procedures

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvededicated equipment performanceVSAvoidoperation time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines near-infrared light source and visible light source into a single endoscope system, merging previously separate procedures into one unified device that can perform both near-infrared endoscopy and visible light endoscopy sequentially or simultaneously, thereby reducing operation time and eliminating repetitive patient procedures

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The endoscope is designed with multi-functionality to perform both near-infrared endoscopy and visible light endoscopy using a single device. The optical assembly can switch between different light sources and transmission modes, making the endoscope universal for multiple diagnostic purposes without requiring separate dedicated equipment

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If separate endoscope procedures are used for near-infrared and visible light endoscopy, then each procedure can be performed with dedicated equipment, but additional treatment costs are incurred

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvededicated equipment performanceVSAvoidsingle endoscope capability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Productivity

If multiple light sources are transmitted through a single endoscope, then operation time and costs are reduced, but light direction control becomes complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperation efficiencyVSAvoidoptical path complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The optical assembly is segmented into distinct optical paths for near-infrared light and visible light, with separate light sources and transmission channels. This segmentation allows independent control and optimization of each light path while maintaining the ability to switch between modes, reducing the complexity of managing multiple light sources simultaneously

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a beam splitter as an intermediary optical component that directs near-infrared light and visible light through appropriate paths. The beam splitter acts as a mediator that manages the interaction between different light sources and the endoscope optical system, simplifying the control of multiple light sources by providing clear separation and routing mechanisms

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 solution reduces operation time and costs, minimizes operator effort and patient suffering, and facilitates easier maintenance by allowing simultaneous multiple check-ups with a single endoscope.

Implementation Method 1

a beam splitter which is provided in the first optical path, and which maintains a traveling direction with respect to the light irradiated from the first light source and changes a direction of the light irradiated from the second light source

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight reflection and direction change: Reflection

Data Source

PatentUS10394013B2Optic assembly and light source device for endoscope including the same

Publication Date: 2019.08.27 INTHESMART

AI summary

Disclosed is an optical assembly including: an upper case which is provided with a first optical path for passing light from a first light source, and a second optical path, which communicates with a side of the first optical path and which introduces the light from a second light source into the first optical path; a lower case coupled with the upper case; and a beam splitter which is disposed in the first optical path, and which maintains a traveling direction with respect to the light from the first light source and changes a direction of the light from the second light source so that the light from the second light source can travel in the same direction as the light from the first light source.