Fiber Optic Needle Probe Conical Tip Tissue Fouling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fiber optic needle probes face challenges in maintaining accurate tissue analysis due to tissue fouling, which affects the reliability of measurements and requires frequent cleaning or replacement.
Innovation Solution
A fiber optic needle probe with a convex, preferably conical, tip that protrudes beyond the distal end of the hollow needle, designed to minimize tissue fouling by allowing it to slide off the tip and away from the measurement area.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the optical fiber tip is flat or beveled at 30°-35°, then the needle is easy to insert and causes low tissue sticking, but tissue fouling accumulates on the fiber tip affecting measurement reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The optical fiber tip is formed with a convex curvature radius between 1-50 micrometers, creating a rounded tip geometry. This curved surface prevents tissue material from adhering and accumulating on the tip, allowing tissue to slide off easily while maintaining reliable spectral measurements across multiple insertions
2Reliability
If the optical fiber tip is sharpened to a convex shape, then tissue fouling is reduced and measurement reliability is improved, but the tip may become more prone to damage
Solution Approach 1:
The convex curvature radius is optimized within a specific range of 1-50 micrometers. This parameter optimization balances tip sharpness for preventing tissue adhesion with sufficient structural integrity to resist damage during repeated insertions and withdrawals
3Productivity
If the fiber optic probe is used repeatedly without cleaning, then productivity is maintained, but tissue fouling interferes with light transmission and measurement accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The convex-shaped tip design enables self-cleaning functionality during normal insertion and withdrawal operations. Tissue material naturally slides off the curved surface without requiring external cleaning interventions, allowing the probe to maintain measurement accuracy across multiple uses
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 conical tip design enhances the reliability of tissue spectra measurements by reducing interference from fouling tissue, allowing for repeated use of the probe without cleaning, and maintaining accurate tissue analysis across multiple insertions.
Implementation Method 1
an optical waveguide, e.g., optical fiber, arranged to transmit light through the needle
Implementation Method 2
the convex tip of the fiber protrudes beyond the distal end of the hollow needle... the convex/sharpened shape of the protruding fiber optic tip can reduce the problem of interfering signal background, caused by fouling of the fiber optic probe tip through the accumulation of tissue (components)
Data Source
AI summary
A fiber optic needle probe is described that includes a length of optical fiber inside a hollow needle for supporting the optical fiber along its length. A distal end of the optical fiber is formed by a formed convex tip protruding beyond a distal end of the hollow needle. The distal end of the optical fiber is formed by a formed conical tip with a cone angle less than hundred degrees. The shape of the convex tip formed at the distal end of the optical fiber is found particularly suitable for repeated insertion into a tissue with minimal tendency of tissue residue sticking to the tip.