Integrated Medical Borescope Tip Assemblies for Portable Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional laparoscopic systems require large and complex equipment for light and image processing, which can be fragile, costly to maintain, and pose safety risks, while also needing frequent white balancing due to inconsistent light sources.
Innovation Solution
A portable medical borescope system with an integrated LED and image sensor, eliminating the need for external light sources and bulky processing equipment, featuring a disposable or limited-use design with a dongle for data processing and compatibility with common display connectors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If conventional laparoscopic systems use high intensity xenon light sources and rod lens tubes, then illumination intensity and image capture capability are improved, but device complexity, fragility, and safety risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the light source (LED), image sensor, and processing electronics into a single compact tip assembly that fits within the distal end of the borescope tube. This merging eliminates the need for separate external light sources and bulky processing equipment, directly resolving the contradiction by achieving sufficient illumination and image capture in a integrated, less complex system
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the mechanical/optical rod lens tube system with a digital image sensor-based capture system. Instead of using complex rod lens optics to transmit images, the patent uses a CMOS or CCD sensor to digitally capture and transmit image data, significantly reducing mechanical complexity while maintaining or improving image quality
2Illumination intensity
If conventional laparoscopic systems use high intensity xenon light sources, then illumination capability is improved, but temperature and safety hazards worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the light source from high-intensity xenon arc lamps to high-efficiency LED (light-emitting diode) sources. LEDs provide sufficient illumination intensity while operating at much lower temperatures and energy consumption, directly addressing the temperature and safety hazards of conventional xenon light sources
3Reliability
If conventional laparoscopic systems use rod lens tubes, then image transmission is achieved, but reliability and cost of repair worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a disposable tip assembly containing the image sensor, LED light sources, and associated electronics. This disposable design eliminates the need for complex repairs of fragile rod lens tubes and sensitive electronic components, as the entire assembly is replaced rather than repaired, directly improving ease of repair and reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The borescope system is segmented into a reusable handle/body portion and a disposable tip assembly. This segmentation allows the fragile and expensive electronic components (image sensor, LEDs, circuitry) to be contained in the disposable tip, while the expensive handle and power supply are reused, resolving the repair complexity issue
4Ease of operation
If conventional laparoscopic systems use external light sources and processing equipment, then image processing capability is improved, but portability and ease of operation worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the light source, image sensor, signal processing electronics, and power management into a single integrated tip assembly that connects to the borescope handle via a simple connector. This integration eliminates the need for separate external light sources and processing equipment stacks, directly improving portability and ease of operation
Solution Approach 2:
The disposable tip assembly serves multiple functions in a single integrated unit: illumination (LEDs), image capture (sensor), signal processing (embedded electronics), and data transmission. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate specialized equipment, directly reducing system complexity and improving portability
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
Provides a portable, cost-effective, and safe medical borescope system that ensures consistent image quality and reduces equipment complexity, enabling use in various medical and industrial applications with disposability and compatibility with standard displays.
Implementation Method 1
A light source, such as a light emitting diode (LED), may be positioned adjacent to the first tube end and configured to generate light at the first tube end
Implementation Method 2
An image sensor may be positioned adjacent to the first tube end
Data Source
AI summary
Laparoscopes and other medical borescopes. In some embodiments, a laparoscope may comprise an electrically conductive portion and a shield portion configured to provide electromagnetic interference shielding for the electrically conductive portion. A tip assembly may be positioned at a distal end of the laparoscope, which tip assembly may comprise an image sensor configured to take images through a distal end of the laparoscope.