Electronic Laryngoscope Camera Module Sputum Suction Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electronic laryngoscopes face challenges in effectively clearing sputum and dirt from around the camera due to the sputum suction opening being located far from the camera, leading to incomplete suction and discomfort for patients.
Innovation Solution
An electronic laryngoscope design featuring a sputum suction opening and passage formed around the camera, with a connecting apparatus that securely attaches the camera module and hollow tube, allowing for efficient sputum removal and integration with a sputum aspirator interface for improved suction efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the sputum suction catheter is buried in the wall of the tracheal hose with the sputum suction opening disposed on the inner wall of the front end part of the tracheal hose, then the sputum can be suctioned out through the sputum suction catheter, but the location of the sputum suction opening cannot be determined relative to the camera location, resulting in ineffective removal of sputum around the camera
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the sputum suction opening with the camera module by integrating the sputum suction catheter into the camera module structure. The sputum suction opening is disposed on the front end surface of the camera module, ensuring that the suction opening is located at the same position as the camera. This integration resolves the positioning precision problem by making the relative position fixed and determined by design rather than by variable tracheal hose specifications.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent embeds the sputum suction catheter within the camera module structure. The sputum suction catheter is nested in the camera module, with its front end forming the sputum suction opening on the front end surface of the camera module. This nesting approach ensures that the suction opening is precisely positioned at the camera location while maintaining the functionality of both the camera and sputum suction systems.
2Productivity
If a relatively large sputum suction force is applied to remove sputum effectively, then the sputum can be cleared more efficiently, but patients feel uncomfortable or their laryngeal cavity wall is injured
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating a focused sputum suction opening at the camera location rather than distributing suction along a separate catheter. The sputum suction catheter is integrated into the camera module with the opening positioned precisely where the camera is located, allowing for targeted suction of sputum around the camera area. This localized approach enables effective clearance with controlled suction force, avoiding the need for high overall suction pressure that would cause patient discomfort or injury.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the sputum suction opening is positioned far from the camera to accommodate various tracheal hose specifications, then different tracheal hose sizes can be used, but the sputum or dirt around the camera cannot be removed or cleaned effectively
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the sputum suction function with the camera module by integrating the sputum suction catheter into the camera module structure. This integration makes the sputum suction opening position independent of tracheal hose specifications, as the opening is now determined by the camera module design rather than the tracheal hose inner wall. The camera module with integrated sputum suction can be universally adapted to different tracheal hose sizes while maintaining reliable sputum removal effectiveness at the camera location.
Data Source
AI summary
In some embodiments, an electronic laryngoscope includes a camera, a hollow connecting rod, a handle, and a control display. The front end of the connecting rod is connected to the camera, the rear end of the connecting rod is connected to the handle, and the rear end of the handle is connected to the control display. The laryngoscope further includes a hollow tube whose inner diameter is greater than the outer diameter of the connecting rod. The camera and the connecting rod are located on the inner side of the hollow tube. A sputum suction opening is formed between the front end of the hollow tube and the front end of the camera, and a sputum passage in communication with the opening is formed between the hollow tube and the connecting rod. The laryngoscope further includes a connector between the hollow tube and the camera and/or the connecting rod.