Endoscopic Laser Fiber Position Detection System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing medical devices, such as laser fibers, often misfire during minimally invasive procedures due to difficulty in determining the exact position of the laser tip within the endoscopic device, leading to potential damage to the device and increased repair costs.
Innovation Solution
A detection system is introduced that includes a transmitting element and a receiving element, which determine the position of the medical device relative to the endoscopic device. This system uses a light source and a sensor to detect the presence of the medical device at the distal end of the endoscopic device, preventing inadvertent actuation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a camera is added to capture images of the laser head to determine its position, then laser misfiring is prevented, but the device size and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the detection function from a complex camera system and implements it using a simple optical sensor that detects the presence or absence of light from the laser fiber. This extraction principle reduces device complexity while maintaining the essential function of detecting laser position to prevent misfiring.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/optical camera system with an electronic sensor-based detection system. Instead of using a camera to capture images and process them mechanically, the system uses an optical sensor to directly detect light presence, substituting a complex mechanical imaging system with a simpler electronic sensing mechanism.
2Reliability
If a camera system is added to detect laser position, then misfiring is prevented, but the available space in the endoscopic device is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential detection function from a full camera system, implementing it with a compact optical sensor. This extraction allows the system to maintain laser position detection capability while occupying minimal space within the endoscopic device, preserving available volume for other components.
3Ease of operation
If the laser fiber position cannot be determined accurately, then the device can be operated more simply, but misfiring occurs damaging the device
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-service detection system where the optical sensor automatically detects the laser fiber position and the control system automatically prevents misfiring based on this detection. The system serves itself by monitoring its own state and taking corrective action without requiring additional manual intervention, thus maintaining ease of operation while improving reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the optical sensor continuously monitors the laser fiber position and provides feedback to the control system. Based on this feedback, the control system automatically enables or disables the laser firing function, creating a closed-loop system that ensures device safety while requiring minimal user input.
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 detection system effectively prevents misfiring of medical devices by accurately determining their position, reducing the risk of damage to the device and the endoscopic tube, and minimizing repair costs.
Implementation Method 1
A detection system is introduced that includes a transmitting element and a receiving element, which determine the position of the medical device relative to the endoscopic device. This system uses a light source and a sensor to detect the presence of the medical device
Data Source
AI summary
A system for preventing inadvertent actuation of a medical device. The system includes an elongate tube having a proximal end, a distal end, and a lumen extending from the proximal end to the distal end. The lumen is configured to receive a medical device configured to transition between an actuated state and an inactive state. The device further includes a detection system configured to determine a position of a distal end of the medical device relative to the distal end of the elongate tube. The detection system includes a transmitting element and a receiving element.