Endoscopic Filter Assembly Angled Window Narcissus Reflection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Endoscopic systems face challenges in maintaining optical quality and field of view during laser procedures due to laser signal saturation, which requires multiple systems with specific filters for different wavelength bands, leading to increased complexity and cost.
Innovation Solution
A filter assembly and kit that optically couples a camera head to an endoscope, featuring an optic housing with an optical path length maximizer and angled windows with coatings to filter specific wavelengths, reducing narcissus reflections and accommodating various laser wavelengths with interchangeable components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple endoscopic systems with different filters are used to handle different laser wavelengths, then the system can accommodate various laser procedures, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The filter assembly is designed with a universal structure that can accommodate multiple laser wavelengths through interchangeable filters. The housing contains multiple filters each optimized for different wavelength bands, allowing a single endoscopic system to handle various laser procedures by selecting the appropriate filter, thereby eliminating the need for multiple specialized systems
Solution Approach 2:
The filter assembly segments the wavelength filtering function into separate interchangeable filters, each designed for specific wavelength bands. This segmentation allows the system to address different laser wavelengths using individual filter components rather than requiring entirely separate endoscopic systems for each wavelength
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a filter is added to block laser wavelengths, then laser signal saturation is prevented, but the optical path length changes affecting field of view and focus
Solution Approach 1:
The filter assembly is designed with pre-calculated and pre-positioned optical path length maximizers that compensate for the displacement caused by the filter. The optical components are arranged in advance to maintain the correct optical path length from the endoscope lens through the filter to the camera sensor, ensuring focus and field of view are preserved before the procedure begins
Solution Approach 2:
The filter assembly introduces intermediary optical elements (optical path length maximizers) between the filter and the camera sensor to compensate for the optical path disruption caused by the filter. These intermediaries maintain the required optical path length and ensure that the filter's presence does not degrade optical quality or alter the field of view
3Manufacturing precision
If the optical path length is maximized to maintain focus, then field of view is preserved, but the narcissus reflection increases
Solution Approach 1:
The filter assembly employs asymmetrically angled windows or surfaces at strategic positions within the housing. These angled surfaces are designed to redirect narcissus reflections away from the optical path toward the camera sensor, breaking the symmetric reflection path that causes the narcissus effect while maintaining the optimized optical path length for focus and field of view
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 solution maintains optical quality and field of view during laser procedures, allowing a single endoscopic system to handle multiple laser wavelengths without the need for multiple systems, reducing complexity and cost by using interchangeable filters.
Implementation Method 1
An optical path length maximizer housed within the optic housing. The optical path length maximizer is configured to compensate for the displacement of the exit pupil of a lens system of an attached endoscope relative to the image sensor so as to maintain the field of view and optical quality
Implementation Method 2
The first window has an operating surface configured to reflect an image away from a longitudinal axis of the optic housing. In one aspect, the operating surface is an angled surface with respect to a plane that is perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the optic housing so as to minimize a narcissus reflection
Implementation Method 3
The filter assembly includes a first coating. The first coating is configured to filter a first pre-determined wavelength of light so as to prevent the pre-determined wavelength of light from reaching the camera head
Data Source
AI summary
A filter assembly is configured to optically couple a camera head to an endoscope. The filter assembly includes a first end adapted to be removably coupled to the camera head and a second end opposite and spaced apart from the first end, the second end adapted to be removably coupled to the endoscope. The filter assembly includes an optic housing disposed between the first end and the second end, the optic housing includes an optical path length maximizer and a first window. The first window has a first surface that is angled with respect to a plane that is perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the optic housing so as to minimize a narcissus reflection within the optic housing and an optical filter to reject laser irradiation.