Heated Imaging Window for Fog-Resistant Surgical Image Capture

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Solution Overview

Problem

Image capturing devices used in medical teleoperational systems often fog due to condensation within the patient anatomy, impairing the clarity of captured images during minimally invasive surgical procedures.

Innovation Solution

The image capturing device incorporates a heat source to apply heat to the imaging window, either passively through heat-generating components or actively with temperature control, to prevent or remove condensation, and may utilize ultrasonic energy or hydrophilic/hydrophobic coatings to manage condensation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the image capturing device is inserted within patient anatomy to perform minimally invasive surgical procedures, then the ability to conduct image-guided procedures is improved, but the imaging window becomes fogged due to condensation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to conduct image-guided proceduresVSAvoidcondensation on imaging window

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the temperature parameter of the imaging window by incorporating a heat source that raises the window temperature above the dew point, preventing condensation formation. This parameter change directly resolves the contradiction by maintaining the imaging function while eliminating the harmful condensation effect.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces passive thermal insulation approaches with an active thermal management system using electrical heating elements. This substitution allows precise control of the window temperature to maintain it above the dew point, effectively preventing condensation while preserving image capture capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Loss of information

If a heat source is added to the image capturing device to remove or prevent condensation, then image clarity is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimage clarityVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the heat source functionality with existing device components such as the housing or structural elements. By integrating the heating function into already-present components rather than adding separate dedicated heating assemblies, the patent reduces the increase in device complexity while still achieving the goal of preventing condensation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent designs the heat source to serve multiple functions: preventing condensation on the imaging window, maintaining structural integrity of the device in the cold environment, and potentially providing comfort during prolonged procedures. This multi-functionality justifies the added complexity by delivering multiple benefits from a single system addition.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If heat is applied to the imaging window to prevent condensation, then the imaging window remains clear, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimaging window clarityVSAvoidenergy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs periodic or cyclic heating control where the heat source is activated only when condensation risk is detected or during critical imaging phases. This periodic action reduces overall energy consumption compared to continuous heating while maintaining imaging window clarity when needed most.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent incorporates feedback control mechanisms that monitor temperature and humidity conditions to dynamically adjust heat source activation. By using feedback from environmental sensors and potentially from detection of condensation formation, the system optimizes energy usage by applying heat only when necessary to prevent condensation, thereby reducing overall energy consumption while maintaining reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

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 solution effectively maintains image clarity by reducing or eliminating condensation on the imaging window, ensuring clear and distinct image capture during surgical procedures.

Implementation Method 1

a heat source within the elongated body. The heat source is configured to apply heat to the imaging window to remove condensation from or prevent condensation from forming on the imaging window

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHeating: Heating

Implementation Method 2

an ultrasonic transducer within the elongated body. The ultrasonic transducer is configured to apply ultrasonic energy to the imaging window

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectUltrasonic vibration: Ultrasonic Vibration

Implementation Method 3

heat generated by the image sensor and image processor is transmitted through the second housing to the imaging window

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHeat conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Data Source

PatentUS20250383589A1Image capture device with reduced fogging

Publication Date: 2025.12.18 INTUITIVE SURGICAL OPERATIONS INC

AI summary

An image capturing device comprises an elongated body, an imaging window coupled to a distal end of the elongated body, and a heat source within the elongated body. The heat source is configured to apply heat to the imaging window to remove condensation from or prevent condensation from forming on the imaging window.