Endoscope Plug Optical Waveguide Heat Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Endoscopes face handling difficulties due to heat transfer from the light source apparatus to the plug, causing temperature increases in optical waveguides, which can lead to hazardous contact with other components when the plug is removed.
Innovation Solution
A plug design with a holding portion that positions optical waveguides such that their end faces are directed away from the connecting surface, reducing heat transfer and allowing for easier handling by separating the high-temperature areas from other components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If the plug is connected to transmit illumination light through optical waveguides, then the light transmission function is achieved, but heat is transferred from the light source apparatus to the plug, causing temperature increase in the optical waveguides
Solution Approach 1:
The patent repositions the optical waveguides from a conventional arrangement where they extend directly toward the light source, to a configuration where they are directed sideways relative to the light source apparatus. This spatial reorientation in another dimension allows the waveguides to receive light while minimizing thermal exposure, as the heated portions are positioned away from the main body of the plug.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a mirror as an intermediary optical element that redirects light from the light source apparatus to the optical waveguides. This intermediary allows light transmission to be maintained while physically separating the heat-generating light source from the heat-sensitive optical waveguides, thereby reducing thermal transfer.
2Ease of operation
If the plug is removed after use, then the endoscope can be disconnected, but the hot components may contact other parts causing damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the optical waveguides from the conventional position within the plug body and repositions them to extend from the side surface of the plug. This extraction and relocation ensures that when the plug is removed, the hot components are spatially separated from other parts of the endoscope, preventing heat transfer and potential damage during disconnection operations.
3Volume of moving object
If the optical waveguides are positioned close to the connecting surface for compact design, then device size is reduced, but heat transfer from the light source increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of positioning optical waveguides close to the connecting surface in the conventional axial direction, the patent orientates them to extend from the side surface of the plug in a radial direction. This dimensional change allows for efficient light coupling while maintaining thermal separation, as the waveguides are positioned away from the heat-generating connecting surface.
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 design enables safe and easy handling of the endoscope after use by minimizing the risk of high-temperature components contacting other parts, thus preventing damage and ensuring safe operation.
Implementation Method 1
transmit illumination light emitted from a light source apparatus to the endoscope
Data Source
AI summary
A plug of a connector for connecting an optical waveguide provided in a medical instrument includes: a coupling portion configured to be inserted into a receptacle of the connector; a connecting surface formed at an end in a first direction in which the coupling portion is inserted into the receptacle; an opening portion provided on the connecting surface, the opening portion having a recessed shape; and a holding portion configured to hold the optical waveguide such that an end face of the optical waveguide is directed in the first direction. The holding portion and the optical waveguide are disposed on a side of a second direction with respect to the connecting surface, the second direction being opposite to the first direction.