Endoscope Test Cap for Sterile Luminous Flux Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for testing optical systems, such as endoscopes, lack the ability to easily measure light output, leading to inferior surgical results and unnecessary system replacements, as they cannot isolate and diagnose issues within the light source or light guide components.
Innovation Solution
A sterilizable cap with a holding mechanism is used to cover the radiation exit region of the optical system, equipped with a transmission-reducing lid portion that allows for accurate measurement of luminous flux using existing radiation sensors, enabling separate testing of components and preventing contamination during surgery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a mechanical stop is provided to ensure proper placement of the endoscope, then measurement reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The test apparatus is divided into separate functional components: a reference body with coded indicator areas, a separate radiation sensor, and a holding means. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, achieving reliable measurements without requiring a highly complex integrated system.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using a mechanical stop to physically constrain the endoscope position, the patent uses a coded indicator system where the correct position is indicated by matching codes. This inverts the approach from active mechanical constraint to passive visual indication, reducing mechanical complexity while maintaining measurement reliability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If two separate detection means are provided to check lamp and light-guide cable separately, then diagnostic capability is improved, but device complexity and maintenance requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The diagnostic system is segmented into separate testable components (lamp, light-guide cable) using a modular test apparatus. The reference body can be configured with different indicator patterns to test different components, and the radiation sensor can be positioned to measure specific segments of the optical system, enabling separate diagnostics without requiring multiple complete detection systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The radiation sensor and reference body combination serves multiple diagnostic functions. By changing the indicator pattern on the reference body and adjusting sensor position, the same basic apparatus can test the lamp, test the light-guide cable, or test the entire optical system, providing universal diagnostic capability without increasing device complexity.
3Measurement precision
If two detection means are used to measure light transmission, then measurement accuracy is improved, but calibration requirements and operational complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The reference body with its coded indicator areas serves as a self-calibrating standard. The known transmission characteristics of the reference body allow the radiation sensor to be automatically calibrated by comparing measured values against the known reference patterns, eliminating the need for external calibration procedures and reducing operational complexity while maintaining measurement accuracy.
4Adaptability or versatility
If an external light source is provided independent of the endoscopic system, then testing capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The test apparatus is designed to work with the existing light source of the endoscopic system under test. The reference body and radiation sensor can measure the light output directly from the system's own lamp, providing testing capability without requiring an external light source. This universal approach allows the same apparatus to test different endoscopic systems using their respective native light sources.
5Adaptability or versatility
If a spherical chamber with opening is used to accommodate endoscope outlet, then testing capability is improved, but device complexity and sterility maintenance become more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The testing function is segmented from the sterility function. The radiation sensor and reference body are positioned to make contact only with the non-sterile proximal end of the endoscope or with protective covers, while the distal outlet portion that contacts the patient remains isolated and maintains sterility. This segmentation allows testing capability without compromising sterility maintenance.
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 provides repeatable and reliable measurement of luminous flux, allowing for quick identification of hardware issues within endoscopic systems, reducing maintenance costs and minimizing surgical disruptions by enabling in-surgery testing without compromising sterility.
Implementation Method 1
a transmission-reducing lid portion (32)
Data Source
AI summary
A method for testing an optical system comprising a part to be tested shall be characterized by the following steps: - Holding a radiation exit region of the part to be tested directly against a radiation sensor - Activating a radiation source providing the part to be tested with radiation - Providing a feedback on the luminous flux registered by the radiation sensor.