Endoscopic LED Illumination Module Heat Dissipation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Endoscopes using LEDs at the distal end face challenges in efficiently removing waste heat, which can lead to tissue burns, and existing solutions like using large, rigid connection electrodes are not suitable for flexible endoscopes.

Innovation Solution

An endoscopic instrument with a coaxial cable connection lead that uses its metallic conductors to conduct heat away from the LED, optimizing thermal conductance and cross-sectional area to effectively dissipate waste heat from the distal end to the proximal end, avoiding heat accumulation in surrounding tissues.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Illumination intensity

If fiber-optics are used for illumination in the endoscope, then illumination can be achieved, but optical losses occur and the system becomes sensitive

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveillumination intensityVSAvoidoptical stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Illumination intensityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the illumination function from the fiber-optic bundle and places the light source (LED) directly at the distal end of the endoscope. This eliminates the fiber-optic path and associated optical losses, while maintaining illumination capability through the LED's direct placement at the tip.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical fiber-optic transmission system with an electrically-powered LED system. The LED is directly mounted at the distal end and powered through electrical connection leads, substituting the passive optical fiber mechanism with an active electronic light source.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Illumination intensity

If LEDs are placed at the distal end of the endoscope, then illumination quality improves, but waste heat removal becomes problematic

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveillumination qualityVSAvoidwaste heat

Core Design Contradiction:

Illumination intensityVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The electrical connection leads serve dual functions: they provide electrical power to the LED and simultaneously act as heat conduction paths to remove waste heat from the LED. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate cooling components while addressing both electrical supply and thermal management requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The electrical connection leads act as intermediary heat conduction paths between the LED and the surrounding environment. These leads, which are already present for electrical purposes, serve as thermal conduits to transport heat away from the LED junction to cooler regions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Temperature

If large cross-section connection electrodes are used for heat conduction, then heat removal efficiency improves, but flexibility of the endoscope is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveheat removal efficiencyVSAvoidflexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the material parameters of the connection leads by using highly thermally conductive materials such as copper or silver. This allows the leads to have smaller cross-sections while still achieving effective heat conduction, thereby maintaining the flexibility and adaptability of the endoscope shaft.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The connection leads are constructed from composite or advanced materials that combine high thermal conductivity with flexibility. These materials enable effective heat removal through the connection leads while allowing the endoscope shaft to maintain its flexible characteristics for navigation through body cavities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

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 allows for a flexible endoscope design while effectively managing heat dissipation, preventing tissue burns and maintaining illumination intensity without the need for fiber optics, ensuring safe and efficient operation.

Implementation Method 1

the connection lead is a coaxial cable which extends from the distal end to the proximal end of the instrument and is designed for leading away the waste heat produced by the LED, and wherein at least one electrical conductor of the coaxial cable is connected to the LED in a heat-conducting manner

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Data Source

PatentUS10111577B2Endoscopic instrument with an LED illumination module

Publication Date: 2018.10.30 RICHARD WOLF GMBH

AI summary

An endoscopic instrument is provided with an LED illumination module having at least one LED arranged at the distal end of the instrument and having an electrical connection lead attached to this LED. The connection lead is a coaxial cable, which extends from the distal end to the proximal end of the instrument, and is designed for leading away the waste heat produced by the LED. At least one electrical conductor of the coaxial cable is connected to the LED in a heat-conducting manner.