Endoscope Optical Window Cleaning via Image Analysis

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Solution Overview

Problem

Endoscopes often experience impaired visibility due to contamination such as blood splashes, tissue particles, or steam deposits, which requires external cleaning, disrupting medical procedures and potentially compromising patient safety.

Innovation Solution

A modular cleaning system integrated into the endoscope, featuring a fluid channel and nozzle for automatic cleaning and drying of the optical window, controlled by a unit that analyzes image data to trigger cleaning pulses based on image quality deterioration.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If manual wiping is used to clean the endoscope lens, then the optical window can be cleaned, but the procedure is interrupted and requires external cleaning

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevisibility qualityVSAvoidprocedure interruption time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The cleaning function is extracted from the external environment and integrated into the endoscope system itself through a cleaning module with fluid channels and nozzles that can be activated during the procedure to clean the optical window internally

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The cleaning system is prepared in advance with fluid channels and nozzles positioned to deliver cleaning fluid directly to the optical window before contamination severely impacts visibility, enabling proactive cleaning rather than reactive external cleaning

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If the endoscope is completely withdrawn from the body cavity for cleaning, then the lens can be cleaned externally, but the procedure duration increases and patient safety is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepatient safetyVSAvoidprocedure duration

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The cleaning function is extracted from external manual operations and integrated into the endoscope system itself through a cleaning module with fluid channels and nozzles that can be activated during the procedure to clean the optical window internally

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The endoscope system performs self-cleaning through an integrated cleaning module that can be activated during the procedure to clean the optical window, eliminating the need for external cleaning operations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Productivity

If a modular cleaning system is integrated into the endoscope, then cleaning efficiency is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecleaning efficiencyVSAvoidsystem structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The cleaning system is segmented into modular components including a cleaning module with fluid channels, nozzles, and control mechanisms that can be integrated into the endoscope system in a structured manner

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The endoscope system is designed with multi-functionality by integrating the cleaning module that serves both cleaning and drying functions through the same fluid channel infrastructure, reducing overall system complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Reliability

If fluid is used for cleaning the optical window, then cleaning effectiveness is improved, but condensation may occur due to temperature difference

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecleaning effectivenessVSAvoidcondensation on optical window

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The cleaning system uses periodic fluid pulses rather than continuous flow, allowing the optical window to dry between pulses and preventing condensation while maintaining cleaning effectiveness

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The system maintains continuous readiness to clean by keeping the fluid channel system pressurized and ready, but applies cleaning fluid only when needed, preventing unnecessary condensation while ensuring immediate cleaning capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

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

The system enables efficient, automatic cleaning and drying of endoscope windows, minimizing procedural interruptions, improving image quality, and enhancing patient safety by maintaining clear visibility during medical procedures.

Implementation Method 1

at least one nozzle which is designed to clean and/or dry the at least one optical window and/or the at least one further window by means of at least one fluid

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFluid jet: Jet

Data Source

PatentUS20250049311A1Device, system and method for cleaning and/or drying an endoscope

Publication Date: 2025.02.13 KARL STORZ SE & CO KG

AI summary

A device for image analysis and/or cleaning of a window arranged at the distal end of an endoscope includes: an image capture device having an optical window for illuminating an object space using an illumination device, a cleaning module including a fluid channel and a nozzle for cleaning and/or drying the optical window by means of a fluid; and a control unit. The control unit analyzes captured image data and, based on a deterioration in the image quality of the captured image data, outputs control instructions for activating image optimization to the cleaning module either automatically or manually so as to activate a fluid pulse for cleaning and/or drying the at least one optical window.