Endoscope Testing Apparatus with Coaxial Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing endoscope testing equipment is either too complex for non-technical staff to use or lacks clarity in determining if an endoscope is ready for surgery, often requiring time-consuming procedures and technical knowledge, and existing automated systems are expensive and delicate.
Innovation Solution
A device with a rectangular mounting board, centering mounts, an optical test target, and an optical scanning device that allows non-technical staff to align and inspect the endoscope, including a microscope for exterior inspection and a fiber visualization device for illumination bundle inspection, enabling quick determination of endoscope functionality and potential for in-house cleaning or repair.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If automated or computer controlled test equipment is used, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The test equipment is designed to be operated by non-technical staff without requiring external automation systems. The manual操作流程 is simplified through intuitive design, allowing users to perform testing themselves without complex automated controls or computer systems.
2Device complexity
If manual testing procedures are used, then device complexity is reduced, but productivity decreases due to time-consuming procedures
Solution Approach 1:
The testing process is divided into distinct functional modules: centering mounts for alignment, optical test target for inspection, scanning device for pupil examination, microscope for exterior inspection, and fiber visualization device. This segmentation allows each component to perform its function efficiently while maintaining overall system simplicity.
3Reliability
If comprehensive testing is performed, then reliability of endoscope functionality determination is improved, but time required for testing increases
Solution Approach 1:
The centering mounts pre-align the endoscope with the optical axis before testing begins. The optical test target is positioned in advance at the correct distance, and the scanning device is pre-configured to scan the pupil area. These preliminary actions eliminate time-consuming adjustments during the actual testing process.
4Measurement precision
If existing test equipment is used, then measurement capability is provided, but clarity in determining endoscope readiness is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The optical test target includes high-contrast patterns and the fiber visualization device displays fiber illumination status with clear visual indicators. These visual cues provide unambiguous information about endoscope functionality, making it easy to determine readiness for surgery without requiring interpretation of complex data.
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
Enables non-technical hospital staff to quickly assess endoscope functionality and determine if it is ready for surgery, allowing for timely decision-making on whether to use, clean, or repair the endoscope, reducing the risk of delayed or compromised medical procedures.
Implementation Method 1
By moving the optical scanning device along the endoscope axis, the exit pupil of the endoscope can be inspected
Implementation Method 2
The equipment further contains a microscope connected to the mounting board for inspection of the exterior of the endoscope
Implementation Method 3
a fiber illumination bundle that transmits light from a light post
Implementation Method 4
The test target has a resolution pattern in the center and resolution patterns distributed radially around the periphery of the test target
Data Source
AI summary
An endoscope testing apparatus including a base, a main rail coupled to the base, a first centering mount coupled to the main rail, an optical test target holder coupled to the main rail, a second centering mount coupled to the optical test holder, the second centering mount being coaxially alignable with the first centering mount, and an optical scanning device coupled to the main rail and coaxially alignable with the first centering mount and the second centering mount. The test target holder includes an optical test target having a selectively adjustable distance between the optical test target and the second centering mount and a selectively adjustable angle formed between an axis formed by the centering mounts and the test target.