Endoscopic Cannula Flexible Circuit and Light Shielding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current endoscopic devices for uterine examinations face challenges in reducing size to minimize patient stress, ensuring reliable electrical connections, and preventing light interference and tool impacts on camera components.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a flexible printed circuit for electrical connections, a ramp-shaped element to guide tools away from camera components, and a tip element with a housing that blocks light from entering the camera sensor, while maintaining a small cannula diameter for easier insertion and improved tool control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of moving object
If the endoscopic device is made smaller to reduce patient stress, then patient comfort improves, but ensuring reliable electrical connections and protecting camera components becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a flexible printed circuit board (FPCB) instead of traditional rigid wiring harnesses. The FPCB can be bent and shaped to fit within the compact cannula structure while maintaining reliable electrical connections between the camera, LEDs, and external power sources. This flexible circuit board solution allows the device to be miniimized without compromising electrical connection reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent integrates the electrical components (camera, LEDs, FPCB) within the hollow lumen of the cannula, nesting them together in a compact arrangement. The FPCB is routed through the cannula wall or along its inner surface, allowing electrical connections to be made without adding external bulk. This nested configuration enables reliable electrical connections while maintaining a small overall device size.
2Length of moving object
If the cannula diameter is reduced for easier insertion, then insertion ease improves, but protecting camera components from tool impacts becomes more challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a protective housing or shield structure that surrounds the camera and LED components before they can be exposed to potential impacts from working tools. This preliminary protective measure is built into the device design, creating a buffer zone that prevents direct contact between tools and sensitive components. The protective structure is integrated within the cannula, maintaining a compact diameter while providing necessary protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs the internal arrangement of the cannula to include cushioning elements or protective barriers positioned between the camera/LED assembly and the cannula opening where tools are inserted. These cushioning structures absorb or deflect potential impacts before they reach the sensitive components, allowing the use of a smaller cannula diameter without increasing component vulnerability.
3Volume of moving object
If the device components are compacted to maintain small size, then device miniaturization improves, but preventing light interference with the camera sensor becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts or separates the light-blocking function from the main optical path by incorporating dedicated light shields or baffles that are positioned strategically within the compact device. These light-blocking elements are integrated into the housing structure or FPCB routing, creating separate zones for light emission (LEDs) and light detection (camera sensor). This separation allows compact component arrangement while preventing harmful light interference.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediary light-blocking structures (shields, baffles, or absorptive materials) between the LEDs and the camera sensor to prevent direct light interference. These intermediary elements are integrated into the compact device architecture, possibly as part of the FPCB substrate or housing walls, and serve to redirect or absorb stray light without adding significant volume to the already miniimized device.
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 configuration reduces patient stress, ensures reliable electrical communication, prevents light interference, and enhances tool control and accuracy during examinations, allowing for smoother and more precise procedures.
Implementation Method 1
one or more light-emitting diodes (LEDs) configured to provide light for the camera to acquire images of the uterus
Data Source
AI summary
Endoscopic devices are disclosed for viewing and/or performing a surgery on a patient's organ, such as a uterus. In an embodiment, the endoscopic deice includes a housing, a cannula, an imaging system, and a flexible printed circuit (FPC). The cannula is configured for insertion through a cervix into a uterus. The cannula has a lumen that extends from a proximal end of the cannula to a distal end of the cannula. The proximal end of the cannula is secured within the housing. The imaging system is located at a distal end of the cannula and includes a camera and one or more light-emitting diodes (LEDs). The FPC extends within the lumen of the cannula and electrically connects the camera and the LEDs to electrical components located in the housing. The lumen is configured to provide a passage for a working tool.