Fiber Sensor System Wireless Detection Endoscope Shape
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fiber sensor systems for detecting the shape of an endoscope's insertion portion face issues with poor handling properties and light signal loss due to the optical connector, making it difficult to accurately detect minute shape changes and spectral alterations.
Innovation Solution
A fiber sensor system with a mobile detection device and a fixed signal processing device, where the mobile detection device includes a light guiding member with detection target portions that provide optical effects based on bending, and a light detector that wirelessly transmits information to the fixed signal processing device, eliminating the need for an optical connector and enhancing accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If an optical connector is used to transmit light signals from the FBG sensor to the shape detection device, then the system can detect the bending shape of the endoscope, but light signal loss occurs and handling properties deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the optical connector from the system by integrating the light source, FBG sensor, and light detector into a single unified endoscope device. This removal of the intermediate optical connector component directly prevents light signal loss at connection interfaces while maintaining shape detection functionality through internal optical pathways.
2Ease of operation
If an optical connector is used to connect the cable to the shape detection device, then light signal transmission is enabled, but handling properties become poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the previously separate components (endoscope, cable with FBG sensor, and shape detection device) into a single integrated unit. The light source, sensor, and detector are combined within the endoscope housing, eliminating the need for external cable connections and optical connectors, thereby significantly improving handling properties and reducing system configuration complexity.
3Reliability
If a separate shape detection device with optical connector is used, then the system can function, but the optical connector region impacts light signal accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the optical connector region from the optical pathway by integrating all optical components internally. The light source, FBG sensor, and light detector are positioned within the endoscope device itself, eliminating the external connector interface that causes spectral alterations and signal degradation, thereby improving detection reliability.
4Ease of operation
If wireless communication is implemented in the integrated device, then handling properties improve and signal loss is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical cable connection system with wireless communication technology. The integrated device incorporates wireless communication modules that transmit detection data without physical cables, eliminating the need for optical connectors and cable management, thereby improving handling properties while the integration approach keeps overall device complexity manageable.
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 system reliably and accurately detects the shape of the endoscope's insertion portion by minimizing the impact of the optical connector region on the light signal and allowing for wireless communication, improving handling and detection precision.
Implementation Method 1
a light guide configured to guide a light from the light source
Implementation Method 2
a plurality of detection target portions that provide an optical effect on the light in accordance with a bend state of the light guide
Data Source
AI summary
A system comprises a housing, a light source, a light guide configured to guide a light from the light source. The light guide includes a plurality of detection target configured to provide optical effect on the light in accordance with a bend state of the light guide. A light detector is configured to detect the light emitted from the light guide and provide information of the detected light. A communication unit is configured to transmit wirelessly the information of the detected light. The communication unit is disposed in the housing.