Endoscope Shaft Internal Routing for Large Tool Accommodation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hysteroscopes face limitations in accommodating large interventional tools due to the size constraints of their working channels, and they struggle to efficiently connect cameras, light sources, and fluid management systems through rotatable shafts with stationary handles.
Innovation Solution
The development of a flexible circuit for endoscopes with dielectric layers to prevent electrical interference, allowing for a larger working channel diameter and improved integration of image sensors, illumination sources, and fluid management systems, enabling the use of larger tools and flexible tool introduction through a low-profile shaft.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the working channel size is increased to accommodate larger interventional tools, then the ability to introduce larger tools is improved, but the shaft profile must be enlarged which reduces flexibility and ease of introduction through the cervix
Solution Approach 1:
The patent moves electrical conductors from the exterior surface of the shaft to the interior of the shaft, utilizing the internal dimension of the shaft structure. This internal routing allows the exterior surface to maintain a smaller profile while still accommodating all necessary electrical connections for image sensors and illumination sources, thereby resolving the contradiction between tool accommodation capability and shaft profile size.
2Ease of operation
If electrical conductors are placed on the exterior of the shaft to connect cameras and light sources, then connection flexibility is improved, but electrical interference with image sensor signals occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the electrical conductors from the exterior surface and relocates them to the interior of the shaft. This separation removes the harmful electrical interference from proximity to the image sensor while maintaining all necessary electrical connections through the internal routing system, thereby eliminating signal interference while preserving connection functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dielectric layers as intermediary materials between the electrical conductors and the image sensor. These dielectric layers act as mediators that allow electrical connections to be made while preventing direct electrical coupling and interference with the sensitive image sensor signals, thus resolving the contradiction between connection needs and signal integrity.
3Ease of operation
If a low-profile shaft is used to maintain ease of introduction, then ease of operation is improved, but the working channel becomes too small for large tools
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the internal dimension of the shaft by routing electrical conductors through the interior rather than placing them on the exterior. This internal routing frees up exterior space, allowing the shaft to maintain a low profile for easy introduction while simultaneously providing adequate working channel diameter for large interventional tools, as the electrical infrastructure no longer constrains the external dimensions.
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 enhances the ability to introduce larger tools and maintain clear image signals while providing efficient fluid management, improving the usability and effectiveness of hysteroscopic systems by accommodating larger tools and maintaining image quality.
Implementation Method 1
a first arrangement of electrical conductors disposed in an interior of the flex circuit with a superior dielectric layer and an inferior dielectric layer sufficient to prevent electrical coupling through both of the superior dielectric layer and the inferior dielectric layer to prevent interference with an image sensor signal carried by the first arrangement of electrical conductors
Data Source
AI summary
An endoscope includes a shaft having proximal and distal ends and a longitudinal axis therebetween. A handle is coupled to the proximal end of the shaft, and an image sensor is carried on the distal end of the shaft. A channel extends through at least a distal shaft portion and has a channel diameter, and a section of the channel is re-configurable between a constricted shape and a non-constricted shape to accommodate tools introduced therethrough. The combined diagonal dimension and channel diameter is usually greater than the outer shaft diameter. The image sensor may be connected to a connector on the housing by a first slack flex circuit and a lights source on the shaft may be connected to a connector on the housing by a second slack flex circuit.