Video Laryngoscope Modular Control Unit Ergonomic Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current video laryngoscopes lack ergonomic design and efficient user interface features, leading to difficulties in handling and operation, especially during intubation procedures, where operators face challenges with grip stability and visibility of control buttons.
Innovation Solution
A laryngoscope system with a control unit and blade unit design that includes a control button positioned ergonomically for easy access, a tactile protrusion for button location, and a battery status indicator, allowing for confident grip and operation without obstructing the view, along with a camera unit that separates light and image sensors to enhance image quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If control buttons are positioned on the handle for easy access, then ease of operation is improved, but visibility of the buttons obstructs the operator's view
Solution Approach 1:
The control button is positioned on the dorsal surface of the handle, utilizing the vertical dimension and back surface area that is naturally visible to the operator. This spatial repositioning allows the button to be accessible while simultaneously visible, eliminating the trade-off between accessibility and visual obstruction.
2Device complexity
If the laryngoscope is designed as a single integrated unit, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability to different blade units is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The laryngoscope is divided into two separable components: a reusable control unit and disposable blade units. The control unit contains all electronic components and can be detached from different blade units, allowing a single control unit to adapt to multiple blade types while maintaining manageable complexity through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit is designed as a universal interface that can connect to and operate with multiple different blade unit types. This multi-functionality allows one control unit to serve various clinical needs by accommodating different blade configurations without requiring separate complete laryngoscope systems.
3Volume of moving object
If light emitter and image sensor are placed close together, then device size is reduced, but image quality deteriorates due to light interference
Solution Approach 1:
A light shield is introduced as an intermediary structure between the light emitter and image sensor. This shield blocks stray light from reaching the sensor while allowing the components to remain in close proximity, thus maintaining compact camera unit size without compromising image quality from light interference.
Data Source
Figure 1A~2
Figure 3A~3D
Figure 4A~5B
AI summary
Disclosed is a laryngoscope assembly (4) and parts thereof. The laryngoscope assembly comprises a blade unit (100) extending from a proximal end (102) to a distal end (104), the blade unit having a distal part (106) extending to the distal end and comprising a first surface (108), wherein the distal part is adapted to be inserted into a patient's oral cavity with the first surface facing the patient's tongue. The laryngoscope assembly further comprises a control unit (200) comprising a body portion (202) having a first body portion (202A) and a second body portion (202B), the first body portion being couplable to the blade unit. The control unit and the blade unit, when being coupled, collectively form a laryngoscope. The control unit being adapted to receive image data from an image sensor as the image data is being generated by the image sensor, wherein, at least when the control unit is coupled to the blade unit, the image data is indicative of a view from the distal part of the blade unit in a direction at least partly towards the distal end.