Endoscope Connector Optical Shutter for Light Leakage Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing endoscope connection mechanisms fail to effectively prevent light leakage when a single-use endoscope is connected to a reusable light source device, especially in the absence of a light shielding function, which can lead to increased costs and reduced efficiency.
Innovation Solution
An endoscope connection mechanism featuring a connection pipe sleeve with a movable optical shutter that includes a first, second, and third portion, where the third portion is positioned to intersect or not intersect the optical path depending on the insertion state of the light guide pipe sleeve, ensuring light is guided correctly and preventing leakage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a light shielding member is provided in the light source device to prevent light leakage, then light leakage is prevented, but the device complexity increases and the ease of operation deteriorates due to additional components and mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The optical shutter is integrated into the connector itself, making the connector self-shielding. When the connector is connected to the light source device, the optical shutter automatically moves to block the light path, preventing light leakage without requiring separate light shielding components in the light source device.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical shutter acts as an intermediary element between the light source device and the connector. It is disposed in the light guide pipe sleeve and responds to the connection state by moving between blocking and non-blocking positions, mediating the light path based on whether the connector is connected.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a light shielding member is provided in the light source device to prevent light leakage, then light leakage is prevented, but the ease of manufacture deteriorates due to increased manufacturing complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The light shielding function is segmented from the light source device and transferred to the connector assembly. The optical shutter is integrated into the connector, which is a separate component that can be manufactured independently and then assembled to the light source device, simplifying the manufacturing of each individual component.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical shutter is integrated into the connector, which can be designed as a disposable or single-use component. This allows the light shielding function to be achieved without modifying the expensive, reusable light source device, thereby simplifying manufacturing and reducing costs.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the optical shutter is positioned to block the light path when the light guide pipe sleeve is inserted, then light leakage is prevented, but the light guide member may be damaged due to contact with the shutter
Solution Approach 1:
The optical shutter is designed with selective positioning: it blocks the light path in the radial direction to prevent light leakage, but is positioned away from the light guide member in the axial direction to avoid contact and damage. This local differentiation of shielding and non-contact zones resolves the contradiction.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical shutter is designed to move dynamically between different positions based on the insertion state of the light guide pipe sleeve. When inserted, the shutter moves to block light leakage; when removed, the shutter returns to its original position, preventing contact with the light guide member and avoiding damage.
Data Source
AI summary
An endoscope connection mechanism includes a connection pipe sleeve including a hole having an axis, and a first optical shutter movable between a first state and a second state. The first optical shutter includes a first, a second and a third portions. The first portion includes a first end fixed to a base portion of the first optical shutter, and a second end provided distally relative to the first end. The second portion includes a third end connecting to the second end, and a fourth end provided distally relative to the third end. The third portion includes a fifth end connecting to the fourth end, and a sixth end provided distally relative to the fifth end. In the first state, the third portion is positioned to intersect the axis of the hole, and in the second state, the third portion is positioned not to intersect the axis of the hole.