Endoscope Sensor Signal Evaluation Inside Fluid-Tight Housing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing endoscopes require a separate line to transmit sensor signals for measuring physical variables, such as pressure, and must be fully sealed for cleaning, which complicates the process.
Innovation Solution
An endoscope design where the sensor signal is evaluated internally using an electronic evaluation unit within a fluid-tight housing, with the signal line extending from the sensor to a coupling point and then connected to the evaluation unit, allowing for internal processing without the need for external units and maintaining a sealed, cleanable structure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the sensor signal is transmitted via a separate line to an external processing unit, then the measurement function is achieved, but the device complexity and handling complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The evaluation unit is integrated directly into the endoscope shaft, merging the sensor signal processing function with the measurement function. This eliminates the need for separate external processing units and multiple connection lines, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining reliable measurement capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The endoscope shaft is designed to perform multiple functions: it serves as both the measurement platform and the signal processing unit. The evaluation unit within the shaft can process signals from various sensors (pressure, temperature, etc.), making the system multi-functional and reducing overall complexity.
2Reliability
If the entire endoscope is sealed to allow autoclaving, then cleaning reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The endoscope is divided into two distinct segments: a sealed shaft portion containing electronic components that requires protection, and a non-sealed handle portion that can be autoclaved. This segmentation allows the cleaning process to be applied to the appropriate portion without compromising the electronic components, thereby maintaining cleaning reliability while reducing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
A fluid-tight housing acts as an intermediary barrier between the electronic components and the moisture environment. This housing protects the electronics during autoclaving of the handle portion, enabling reliable cleaning without requiring the entire device to be sealed or designed for autoclaving.
3Measurement precision
If the sensor is placed outside the fluid-tight housing, then measurement accuracy is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor is positioned in the shaft portion such that it is nested within the overall endoscope structure but remains accessible to the measurement environment through the objective. The sensor is located in the shaft, which is itself nested within the handle assembly, creating a compact nested arrangement that maintains measurement accuracy while minimizing device complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
An endoscope has an elongate shaft, with a housing that is arranged in the endoscope and has a fluid-tight embodiment and a sensor for capturing a physical measurement variable, the sensor being arranged in the shaft. The sensor is situated outside of the fluid-tight housing. A signal line extends from the sensor to a coupling point at the fluid-tight housing. The coupling point connects the signal line to an evaluation unit that is arranged in an interior of the housing for the purposes of evaluating the measurement signal.