Flexible Inspection Scope with Dynamic Stiffening for Medical Device Lumen
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing medical devices, such as endoscopes and catheters, are difficult to inspect and clean internally due to their small diameter and flexibility, leading to potential contamination and damage that is hard to detect and address effectively, especially in a labor-intensive process with limited visualization.
Innovation Solution
A small-diameter medical device inspection scope with a camera and light source, capable of emitting visible and UVC light, is designed to be inserted into the lumen of medical devices for visualization and disinfection, featuring a flexible design with optional stiffening members to prevent bending and kinking, and embedded software for controlling UVC light exposure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a small-diameter scope is used to inspect the lumen of medical devices, then the ability to visualize internal contamination and damage is improved, but the flexibility and ease of insertion are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The scope incorporates a flexible column with optional stiffening members that can be dynamically adjusted. The stiffening members can be engaged or disengaged based on the specific inspection needs, allowing the scope to transition between flexible insertion mode and rigid visualization mode, thus resolving the contradiction between flexibility and visualization capability.
2Productivity
If workers with little training perform the inspection process, then labor costs are reduced, but the effectiveness of contamination and damage detection deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The scope is designed with intuitive controls and automated features that enable workers with minimal training to perform effective inspections. The system provides self-guided operation through clear visual feedback and simplified control mechanisms, allowing less trained personnel to achieve high detection effectiveness without requiring extensive expertise.
3Ease of operation
If a flexible design is used for the scope, then ease of insertion into device lumens is improved, but the ability to maintain stable positioning for adequate visualization deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The scope employs a dynamic stiffness control system with adjustable stiffening members. During insertion, the scope remains flexible to navigate complex lumens. Once positioned, the stiffening members are engaged to provide stable positioning for visualization. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction between flexibility for insertion and stability for visualization.
4Strength
If the scope is made rigid to prevent bending and kinking, then structural integrity is improved, but the ability to navigate through small-diameter lumens deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The scope incorporates adjustable stiffening members that can be engaged or disengaged based on the specific task. When navigating lumens, the stiffening members are disengaged to allow flexibility. When structural integrity is needed for visualization or cleaning, the stiffening members are engaged. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction between rigidity and adaptability.
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
Facilitates efficient inspection and disinfection of medical devices, reducing labor intensity and improving the ability to detect internal contamination and damage, while ensuring effective cleaning and sterilization of complex internal structures.
Implementation Method 1
a camera module positioned within the inner lumen to capture images of the lumen interior
Implementation Method 2
emit UVC light to clean/disinfect the inside/lumen of the medical device
Data Source
AI summary
A medical device inspection scope may include a cylindrical outer layer having a diameter of less than 2 millimeters or even less than 1 millimeter, a cylindrical inner layer disposed concentrically within the outer layer, a circumferential space between the outer layer and the inner layer, and an inner lumen formed by the inner layer. The scope also includes multiple light transmitting fibers disposed in the circumferential space and a camera module disposed in the inner lumen. The light fibers may be designed to transmit illumination light and ultraviolet light. The scope may also optionally include a stiffening member.