Laparoscope Camera Cleaning Assembly for In-Situ Spray and Wipe
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Solution Overview
Problem
The camera lens of a laparoscope becomes dirty during surgical procedures, necessitating its removal and reinsertion for cleaning, prolonging the operation and reducing surgical efficiency.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus that cleans the laparoscope's camera lens in situ by spraying a cleaning fluid and wiping it with a blade, operated by a single-hand trigger mechanism, allowing continuous use during the procedure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the laparoscope is removed from the surgical site to clean the camera lens, then the lens can be cleaned effectively, but the surgical procedure time is extended
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning apparatus is attached to the laparoscope itself, allowing the laparoscope to clean its own camera lens through integrated spraying and wiping mechanisms that are activated during the surgical procedure without removal
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning system enables continuous cleaning action during the surgical procedure by spraying cleaning fluid and wiping the lens through a trigger mechanism, maintaining uninterrupted surgical workflow and eliminating the need to remove the laparoscope for lens cleaning
2Reliability
If the laparoscope is reinserted after cleaning, then the camera lens is clean, but the surgical efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The laparoscope performs self-cleaning through an integrated apparatus that sprays cleaning fluid and wipes the lens using a blade mechanism activated by a trigger, eliminating the need for external cleaning operations and maintaining surgical efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning operation can be performed continuously during the surgical procedure without removing the laparoscope, maintaining uninterrupted surgical workflow and preserving surgical efficiency while ensuring lens cleanliness
3Reliability
If the camera lens is cleaned by retracting the laparoscope, then the lens can be wiped, but the overall operation time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning mechanism operates continuously during the surgical procedure through a trigger-activated spraying and wiping system, eliminating the need to retract and reinsert the laparoscope, thereby maintaining continuous surgical action and reducing total operation time
Solution Approach 2:
The laparoscope cleans itself through an integrated system that combines cleaning fluid delivery and mechanical wiping in one compact apparatus attached to the laparoscope handle, enabling rapid cleaning without removal from the surgical site
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
Reduces surgical time by maintaining clear camera vision without lens removal, enhancing patient recovery and hospital resource efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a fluid-moving assembly operably connected to the trigger and configured to direct a fluid on a predetermined location of the apparatus when the trigger is moved from a first position to a second position
Implementation Method 2
a wiping assembly operably connected to the trigger and configured to wipe the predetermined location of the apparatus when the trigger is moved from the first position to the second position
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for cleaning a laparoscope includes a housing configured to be selectively connected to the laparoscope, a fluid-moving assembly connected to the housing, a wiping assembly connected to the housing, and a trigger movably connected to the housing. The housing may include first transparent portion thereof covering a camera of the laparoscope. The fluid-moving assembly is configured to receive a cleaning fluid and to direct the fluid toward the first transparent portion of the housing. The wiping assembly is configured to wipe the first transparent portion of the housing. The trigger is configured to be selectively moved between a first position and a second position relative to the housing to cause the fluid-moving assembly to spray the fluid toward the first transparent portion of the housing and to cause the wiping blade to wipe the first transparent portion of the housing.