Portable Endoscope Testing Kit for Rapid Surgical Readiness Assessment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing endoscope testing devices are either complex to operate, require technical knowledge, or are expensive and delicate, making it difficult to quickly determine if an endoscope is ready for use in surgery, which can lead to delayed or compromised medical procedures due to undetected damage.
Innovation Solution
A portable endoscope testing kit that includes a durable enclosure with a hingedly coupled cover, an optical test target, a pivotably coupled endoscope support stand, and various testing devices like magnification loupes and a battery-powered light source, allowing non-technical staff to assess the functionality of endoscopes through simple and quick physical and optical testing procedures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If automated or computer controlled testing devices are used, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The testing system is divided into separate functional modules: a durable enclosure for portability, a support stand for positioning, a test target for optical assessment, and simple hand-held testing devices. This segmentation allows each component to be simple and robust while collectively providing comprehensive testing capability without requiring complex integrated automation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs simple, inexpensive testing devices such as magnification loupes and basic light sources rather than expensive automated equipment. These simple devices are sufficient for the intended purpose and can be easily replaced if needed, avoiding the high cost and complexity of automated systems while maintaining ease of operation for non-technical staff.
2Ease of operation
If simple testing procedures are used, then ease of operation is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
A specifically designed test target with known optical characteristics serves as an intermediary between the simple testing devices and the endoscope under test. This test target provides reference patterns and features that enable precise assessment of endoscope performance even when using simple magnification loupes and light sources, bridging the gap between operational simplicity and measurement precision.
3Reliability
If comprehensive testing is performed, then reliability is improved, but loss of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The portable kit is pre-assembled with all necessary testing components (enclosure, support stand, test target, magnification loupes, light sources) ready for immediate use. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need to gather and set up multiple separate devices during the testing process, allowing comprehensive reliability assessment to be performed quickly without time loss for equipment preparation.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to test equipment for rigid endoscopes, but also for flexible endoscopes and video endoscopes. The equipment includes an enclosure having a cover hingedly coupled to a base, an optical test target coupled to the cover, an endoscope support stand pivotably coupled to the enclosure and a bed contained within the base including a plurality of indentations shaped for receiving individual pieces of endoscope testing equipment. The testing equipment can include magnification loupes, light post adapters, battery powered light sources, cleansing tissues and a ruler. A support bracket is coupled between the cover and the endoscope support stand wherein the endoscope support stand is pivotably coupled to the support bracket.