Endoscope Tip Cover Optical Barrier Design
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing endoscope covers with conventional optical flats at the distal end suffer from bothersome reflections due to crosstalk of light signals from the light-guiding region into the image-guiding region, particularly with novel solid-state light sources having large illumination angles.
Innovation Solution
The proposed cover optically decouples the light-guiding region and the image-guiding region using at least one separation element, preventing crosstalk and reflections by forming an optical barrier between the regions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a conventional optical flat is used as a termination element in the cover, then the structure is simple and manufacturing is easy, but reflections and crosstalk of light signals occur between the light-guiding region and image-guiding region
Solution Approach 1:
The termination element is segmented into multiple functional regions: a light-guiding region with light-guiding structures and an image-guiding region with image-guiding structures. These regions are spatially separated and optically decoupled to prevent crosstalk while maintaining manufacturing feasibility through integrated molding techniques.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the termination element are assigned different optical qualities and structures. The light-guiding region contains light-guiding structures optimized for light transmission, while the image-guiding region contains image-guiding structures optimized for image capture, with optical barriers positioned at specific locations to prevent unwanted light interaction.
2Illumination intensity
If solid-state light sources with large illumination angles are used, then illumination intensity is improved, but crosstalk of light signals into the image region increases causing standing reflections
Solution Approach 1:
The termination element is divided into distinct light-guiding and image-guiding regions with optical barriers between them. This segmentation allows large-angled light from solid-state sources to be directed into the light-guiding region while being prevented from crosstalking into the image-guiding region through the optical barriers.
Solution Approach 2:
Optical barriers serve as intermediary elements positioned between the light-guiding region and image-guiding region. These barriers intercept and block stray light and reflections from the light-guiding region before they can enter the image-guiding region, enabling the use of high-intensity solid-state light sources without crosstalk.
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 significantly improves image transmission by eliminating bothersome reflections, enhancing the overall image quality and usability during surgical interventions.
Implementation Method 1
at least one light-guiding region (5) and at least one image-guiding region (6) are optically decoupled from one another by way of at least one separation element (7)... the at least one separation element can prevent crosstalk of light signals from the light-guiding region into the image-guiding region
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a cover for an endoscope tip, comprising at least one optical termination element and a shaft, the termination element comprising at least one light-guiding region and at least one image-guiding region, at least one optical barrier being formed between the at least one light-guiding region and the at least one image-guiding region by at least one separation element.