Laser Light Guide Cleaning for Closed Instrument Canals

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Solution Overview

Problem

Medical instruments with small working channels, such as endoscopes and surgical instruments, face challenges in effective sterilization due to their inaccessible and non-visible nature, leading to potential contamination risks and inefficiencies in conventional cleaning methods.

Innovation Solution

A method using a light guide to conduct a laser beam for cleaning circumferentially closed canals, with safety features to prevent damage and ensure proper operation, including motion detection, laser control based on signal thresholds, and the use of closure elements to seal the canal.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional cleaning methods (soaking and flushing) are used, then the cleaning process is simple, but the cleaning effectiveness is insufficient and contamination risk remains

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecleaning effectivenessVSAvoidcleaning system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces conventional mechanical cleaning methods (soaking and flushing) with laser-based cleaning technology. The laser beam is guided through a light guide into the canal to clean internal surfaces, substituting mechanical fluid dynamics with optical energy to achieve superior cleaning effectiveness in inaccessible areas.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a light guide as an intermediary component to deliver the laser beam into the canal. This mediator enables the laser energy to reach inaccessible internal surfaces that conventional cleaning methods cannot access, thereby improving cleaning reliability without requiring direct mechanical intervention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If laser beam is used for cleaning, then cleaning effectiveness is improved, but risk of damage to canal and safety risks increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecleaning effectivenessVSAvoiddamage risk and safety risk

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements feedback control by monitoring the position of the light guide within the canal and the movement of the laser beam. Signal thresholds are established to detect when the light guide is properly positioned, and the laser operation is controlled based on these signals to prevent damage to the canal and ensure operator safety.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent performs preliminary verification of light guide position and canal accessibility before activating the laser beam. By checking signals and thresholds in advance, the system ensures proper positioning and eliminates safety risks before the high-energy laser operation begins.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Productivity

If automated laser cleaning is implemented, then productivity and safety are improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecleaning efficiencyVSAvoidautomation system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent integrates multiple functions into a single automated system: the light guide serves both as a delivery mechanism for the laser beam and as a positioning reference for the feedback system. The control system combines position monitoring, movement detection, and laser operation control into a unified automated process, improving productivity while managing complexity through functional integration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 method provides efficient, automated, and safe cleaning of small canals without damaging the inner surfaces, reducing the risk of contamination and enhancing bacterial killing through laser-induced fluid motion and steam bubbles.

Implementation Method 1

a material present on the inside of the canal is removed through laser-induced hydrodynamic fluid movement

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLaser-induced hydrodynamic fluid movement: Hydrodynamic Cavitation

Implementation Method 2

the closure element melts and/or softens and remains in this position in the canal and seals it tightly

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMelting: Melting

Implementation Method 3

the closure element is melted through the laser radiation transmitted through the light guide or through electrical energy

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLaser radiation heating: Laser

Data Source

PatentUS12496175B2Method and arrangement for cleaning of a canal

Publication Date: 2025.12.16 DENTSPLY SIRONA INC

AI summary

A method and an arrangement for the cleaning of a circumferentially closed canal using a light guide conducting a laser beam, with the entry of the laser beam into the light guide being interrupted when the free end of the light guide is outside of the canal and/or the movement of the light guide within the canal is monitored and if there is no movement or the movement is below a first threshold value then a signal is triggered and/or the laser radiation is turned off or its output is reduced. The turning off of the laser radiation or its reducing is controlled in dependency of at least one signal change and/or a second threshold and/or a signal change relative to the second threshold determined during at least one course of time starting before and including the entry of the light guide into the canal.