Photoacoustic-Ultrasonic Endoscope for Helical Scanning and Sealed Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional photoacoustic-ultrasonic endoscopy devices are limited to two-dimensional imaging due to mechanical scanning constraints, require complex optical alignment, and have difficult probe connections, leading to prolonged setup times and potential damage during procedures.
Innovation Solution
A helical scan photoacoustic-ultrasonic endoscope with a probe and driving unit configuration that includes a catheter tubing, fastening nut, pullback shaft, and radial shaft seal, enabling three-dimensional imaging and easy probe connection/disconnection using FC/PC connectors and a dedicated adapter, with optical and electrical paths aligned through ceramic ferrules and adapters for rapid setup.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a rotating body with torque coil and optical system is used for mechanical scanning, then two-dimensional tomographic imaging is achieved, but the device is limited to simple rotational motion and cannot perform three-dimensional helical scanning
Solution Approach 1:
The device separates the scanning functions into two independent modules: a rotation module for azimuthal scanning and a pullback module for axial scanning. This segmentation allows the system to achieve three-dimensional helical scanning by combining simple rotational motion with linear pullback motion, avoiding the need for complex mechanical scanning structures while expanding scanning capability from 2D to 3D
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from two-dimensional rotational scanning to three-dimensional helical scanning by adding the pullback dimension. The pullback shaft enables axial movement of the scanning tip while the rotation module provides azimuthal movement, creating helical trajectories that capture volumetric data in three dimensions
2Adaptability or versatility
If the probe is designed with internal rotating components and fluid containment, then photoacoustic and ultrasonic functions are integrated, but separation and reconnection of the probe becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The probe is designed as a separable module that can be easily connected to and disconnected from the driving unit. The rotation module and pullback module are integrated within the probe housing, allowing the probe to be detached for cleaning or replacement while maintaining the integrated photoacoustic and ultrasonic imaging functions during operation
Solution Approach 2:
The catheter tubing serves as an intermediary structure that contains the matching fluid and provides a sealed environment for the integrated optical and electrical components. This intermediary design allows the probe to be separated from the driving unit while maintaining fluid containment and protecting internal components during handling
3Manufacturing precision
If optical alignment is performed manually for single-mode optical fiber, then precise optical coupling is achieved, but the alignment process takes a considerable amount of time
Solution Approach 1:
The optical fiber is pre-aligned and fixed within the probe assembly during manufacturing, with the optical path predetermined through the catheter tubing and scanning tip. This preliminary alignment eliminates the need for time-consuming manual optical alignment during setup, while single-mode optical fiber ensures precise optical coupling for photoacoustic imaging
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces manual mechanical optical alignment with a predetermined optical path design. The optical fiber is routed through fixed channels and connectors within the probe, allowing optical coupling to be achieved through simple connection rather than precise manual positioning, significantly reducing setup time
4Reliability
If electrical paths are connected manually during probe replacement, then complete electrical signal transmission is achieved, but the connection process takes considerable time
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical connection components are merged with the mechanical connection structure of the probe. Electrical contacts are integrated into the probe housing and driving unit interface, allowing electrical paths to be connected simultaneously with the mechanical assembly, eliminating separate connection steps and improving probe replacement speed while maintaining reliable signal transmission
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 rapid, precise optical and electrical coupling, reduces setup time, minimizes damage risk, and allows accurate three-dimensional imaging with reduced production costs and improved procedural efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a radial shaft seal which is interposed between the fastening nut and the pullback shaft and surrounds the pullback shaft around a central axis of the through hole of the fastening nut
Implementation Method 2
a photoacoustic transducer disposed at a distal end of the torque coil in a direction toward the one end of the catheter tubing
Implementation Method 3
an ultrasonic transducer, wherein the ultrasonic transducer includes a first coil unit and a second coil unit which are paired with each other
Data Source
AI summary
A photoacoustic-ultrasonic endoscope includes a probe and a driving unit providing rotational power and pullback translational motion to the probe, wherein the probe includes a catheter tubing extending in one direction and having an interior that is hollow, one end of the catheter tubing being closed and the other end of the catheter tubing being open, a fastening nut that is fastened to the other end of the catheter tubing and has a through hole corresponding to the interior of the catheter tubing, a pullback shaft extending into the interior of the catheter tubing through the through hole of the fastening nut and having an interior that is hollow, and a radial shaft seal interposed between the fastening nut and the pullback shaft and surrounding the pullback shaft around a central axis of the through hole of the fastening nut.