Endoscope Sheath Retroreflector for Installation Verification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for sterile handling of non-sterile endoscopes in sterile environments lack reliable verification of correct insertion and optical element alignment, which can lead to imaging issues and patient safety risks.
Innovation Solution
An arrangement with a light-reflecting element on the optical element of the endoscope, which reflects detection light back to the proximal end, allowing for safe and cost-effective monitoring of correct installation and detection of optical element presence, position, and potential damage, using a light-reflecting coating or integral design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a sterile endoskophule is used to protect a non-sterile endoscope, then sterility is maintained, but there is no reliable verification of correct insertion and optical element alignment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a light-reflecting element (such as a retroreflector or colored coating) to the optical element of the endoskophule. This element changes or modifies light properties by reflecting detection light back to a sensor, creating a visual or detectable signal that indicates correct insertion and alignment. The light-reflecting property serves as a simple yet effective verification mechanism without adding complex structural elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a light-reflecting element as an intermediary component between the optical element and the detection system. This intermediary reflects detection light back to a sensor, enabling indirect verification of correct insertion and alignment. The light-reflecting element acts as a mediator that translates physical positioning into detectable optical signals.
2Ease of manufacture
If the optical element is made translucent or simple, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but verification of correct arrangement becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a light-reflecting coating or retroreflector to the optical element, which modifies light interaction properties. This allows simple translucent elements to gain verification capability through their light-reflecting properties, enabling detection of correct positioning without complicating the basic translucent structure or increasing manufacturing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical verification mechanisms with an optical detection system. Instead of using mechanical interlocks or physical alignment features, the system uses light reflection and optical sensing to verify correct insertion and positioning, simplifying the overall verification mechanism while improving reliability.
3Reliability
If no verification system is implemented, then device complexity is minimized, but patient safety risks increase due to undetected incorrect insertion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses light-reflecting elements that create detectable optical signals to indicate correct insertion. This provides a simple yet reliable verification mechanism that enhances patient safety by ensuring proper positioning before use, without requiring complex verification systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where a sensor detects light reflected from the optical element and provides information about correct insertion and alignment. This feedback loop enables real-time verification of proper positioning, ensuring patient safety while maintaining relatively simple system architecture.
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
Ensures reliable verification of correct endoscope installation, preventing incorrect use and reducing costs by avoiding unnecessary sterilization and ensuring compliance with hygiene and safety regulations.
Implementation Method 1
The optical element has a light-reflecting element or a light-reflecting area, which reflects the detection light emitted by a detection light source as a reflection light in the direction of a proximal end of the endoscopic
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2a~2c
Figure 3a~3c
AI summary
An endoscope sheath (14) comprises an optical element (30) arranged at its distal end. The optical element (30) has a light-reflecting element (46) or a light-reflecting area which reflects the detection light emitted by a detection light source (42) as reflected light towards a proximal end of the endoscope sheath (14).