Flexible Hinge Mirror Scanner for Confined Space Vein Illumination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vein illumination devices lack effective two-dimensional scanning capabilities and flexibility for use in confined spaces during medical procedures, limiting their ability to provide clear illumination and imaging in small access areas.
Innovation Solution
A two-dimensional scanning laser vein-illumination device with a base and frame connected by flexible hinges, featuring a scanning mirror system that oscillates at resonant frequencies, allowing for angular movements and improved access through small orifices, combined with a laser light source and sensitive light detector for optical inspection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a rigid mounting structure is used for vein illumination devices, then structural stability is improved, but flexibility and ability to access confined spaces deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by replacing rigid mounting structures with flexible mounting arrangements that allow movement and adaptation. The vein illumination device is mounted on a flexible support structure that can bend and conform to the contours of the patient's body, enabling access to confined spaces while maintaining structural integrity through elastic deformation rather than rigid fixation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes flexible shells and thin films by employing a flexible mounting structure that can be bent and shaped to access difficult-to-reach areas. The illumination device is attached to a flexible arm or catheter-like structure that can navigate through small access orifices and conform to body contours, providing both flexibility for access and sufficient structural stability for effective illumination.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a thin connecting member is used to reach through small access orifices, then adaptability to confined spaces is improved, but structural strength and stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The thin connecting member is designed with dynamic flexibility, allowing it to bend and flex as it passes through small access orifices. The structure incorporates elastic elements that enable navigation through tight spaces while maintaining sufficient strength to support the illumination device and withstand operational forces without breaking or deforming permanently.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by varying the physical properties of the connecting member along its length. The structure may have different stiffness, thickness, or material composition in different sections, with the proximal end being more flexible for insertion and the distal end having greater strength to support the illumination device, thus optimizing both adaptability and structural integrity.
3Measurement precision
If a two-dimensional scanning system is added to the vein illumination device, then imaging capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs mechanical vibration by using a piezoelectric element to induce oscillations in a fiber that holds a mirror. This vibration causes the mirror to scan the laser beam in two-dimensional patterns across the inspection area, creating imaging capability through resonant mechanical oscillation rather than complex motorized scanning mechanisms, thus improving imaging while minimizing added complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical scanning systems with an optical approach using a single laser beam that is scanned across the field of view by a vibrating mirror. Instead of using multiple light sources or complex mechanical camera systems, the invention uses a simplified mechanism where a piezoelectrically-driven mirror performs the scanning function, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining imaging capability.
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
Enables precise and flexible vein illumination and imaging in confined spaces, enhancing the effectiveness of medical procedures by providing clear optical inspection and imaging capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
a frame (30) connected to the base (23) using at least one flexible hinge (24)
Implementation Method 2
an elastic torsional element (21) having a proximal end rigidly attached to said frame (30) and a distal end rigidly attached to a mirror (20)
Implementation Method 3
a means for exciting angular oscillations of the frame at or near said frame's resonant frequency
Implementation Method 4
The hinge allows the frame to move angularly with respect to the base in at least a first direction
Implementation Method 5
at least one laser light source
Implementation Method 6
a scanning means which scans one or more laser beam in a two-dimensional pattern over an inspection area
Implementation Method 7
at least one light detector, sensitive to the light of the laser beam(s) being reflected from the inspection area
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention is directed to a two-dimensional scanning arrangement for a laser vein-illumination device that includes a base and a frame connected to the base using at least one flexible hinge. The hinge allows the frame to move angularly with respect to the base in a first direction. The invention further includes a means for exciting angular oscillations of the frame at or near said frame's resonant frequency. An elastic torsional element having a proximal end rigidly attached to said frame and a distal end rigidly attached to a mirror is also included. The torsional element allows the mirror to move angularly with respect to the frame in a second direction, generally perpendicular to the first direction. There may also be a means for exciting the angular oscillations of the mirror.The invention also includes a device for optically inspecting confined spaces having one or more small access orifices. The device includes at least one laser light source and a scanning means which scans one or more laser beam in a two-dimensional pattern over an inspection area. Also present is at least one light detector, sensitive to the light of the laser beam(s) being reflected from the inspection area. There is also a connecting member being thin and long enough to reach the inspection area through the access orifice.