Disposable Video Laryngoscope Fogging Prevention

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional video laryngoscopy systems require additional training, pose risks of infectious disease transmission due to reusable equipment, and suffer from lens fogging issues, leading to increased procedure time and complexity in medical settings like prehospital care.

Innovation Solution

A disposable video laryngoscope with an internal liquid jet delivery system and LED illumination within the camera housing to prevent fogging, eliminating the need for specialized stylets and reducing contamination risks through a single-use design.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If reusable video laryngoscope systems are used, then equipment cost is reduced, but risk of infectious disease transmission increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedisease transmission riskVSAvoidequipment reprocessing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies a disposable design where the entire laryngoscope device is single-use. This eliminates the need for reprocessing and sterilization of reusable equipment, thereby eliminating the risk of infectious disease transmission between patients while avoiding the complexity of equipment maintenance and reprocessing protocols.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

2Productivity

If video laryngoscope lens is cleaned manually, then visualization is restored, but procedure time increases and patient oxygenation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveintubation procedure speedVSAvoidtime to clean lens
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent incorporates an automated defogging system with a heating element that automatically clears condensation and fog from the camera lens without requiring manual intervention. This self-service mechanism maintains continuous visualization during the intubation procedure, eliminating time loss associated with manual lens cleaning and ensuring patient oxygenation is not compromised.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Ease of operation

If specialized stylets are used with video laryngoscopes, then video visualization is improved, but training requirements and device complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperator training requirementVSAvoidspecialized components required
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent designs a universal laryngoscope device that combines both direct laryngoscopy and video laryngoscopy functions in a single unit. The device includes an integrated camera system that works with standard endotracheal tubes without requiring specialized stylets, making the equipment universally applicable across different intubation scenarios and eliminating the need for additional specialized training or components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Reliability

If disposable laryngoscopes are used, then disease transmission is minimized, but device cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinfection controlVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a disposable design that minimizes infection control concerns by using single-use devices. While disposable items typically have higher per-unit costs than reusable equipment, the design incorporates cost-effective materials and streamlined manufacturing processes to reduce overall expense. The elimination of reprocessing, sterilization, and maintenance requirements also reduces indirect costs associated with reusable equipment management.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

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

The solution provides a flexible, easy-to-use device that maintains visualization, reduces training needs, minimizes disease transmission, and streamlines endotracheal intubation procedures by integrating a self-cleaning and defogging mechanism within a single, disposable unit.

Implementation Method 1

a Light Emitting Diode (LED) is placed within a camera housing so as to prevent or reduce fogging of the lens

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight Emitting Diode: Light Emitting Diode

Implementation Method 2

a Light Emitting Diode (LED) is placed within a camera housing so as to prevent or reduce fogging of the lens

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal heating: Heating

Implementation Method 3

an internal spray mechanism that may receive liquid through a luer-connection interface such as is used with syringes or IV tubing systems and that directs a spray onto a fogged or occluded lens

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFluid spray: Fluid Spray

Data Source

PatentUS20230277051A1Disposable Video Laryngoscope With Fluid Spray System
Publication Date: 2023.09.07 INTUBLADE CO
  • US20230277051A1 patent drawing
  • US20230277051A1 patent drawing
  • US20230277051A1 patent drawing

AI summary

A disposable video laryngoscope includes a novel internal liquid jet spray. This laryngoscope is designed so that the user may utilize either the video mode in which the image is displayed on an external screen, or the device may be used in the same manner as a direct laryngoscope. If the device is used in video mode, a Light Emitting Diode (LED) is placed within a camera housing so as to prevent or reduce fogging of the lens. The device includes an internal spray mechanism that may receive liquid through a luer-connection interface such as is used with syringes or IV tubing systems and that directs a spray onto a fogged or occluded lens to restore vision.