Disposable Laser Handpiece Fiber Tip Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current medical laser handpieces do not allow for quick and cost-effective replacement of distal optical fibers, leading to contamination and increased manufacturing costs, especially for high-energy applications where sapphire fibers are used.
Innovation Solution
A handpiece design with a fiber tip holding mechanism that enables easy interchange of sapphire fiber tips, featuring a spring-loaded collet system for secure clamping and a sterilizable or autoclavable construction to prevent contamination, along with an aspiration conduit for positive pressure to inhibit internal contamination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the distal rigid optical fiber is made replaceable in high-energy laser handpieces, then cost and contamination issues are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The optical fiber delivery system is segmented into a proximal flexible fiber (permanent) and a distal rigid fiber (replaceable). The distal fiber is designed as a separate, interchangeable component that can be quickly replaced without affecting the proximal fiber or handpiece body, resolving the contradiction by making only the contaminated/expensive portion replaceable.
Solution Approach 2:
The distal rigid optical fiber is nested within a protective sleeve or holder that is integrated into the handpiece. This nested structure allows the fiber to be inserted and secured without complex assembly mechanisms, reducing overall device complexity while enabling easy replacement.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the distal rigid optical fiber is made replaceable, then contamination prevention is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The replaceable distal fiber is pre-assembled with its protective sleeve and coupling mechanisms before being inserted into the handpiece. This preliminary preparation allows for quick replacement without requiring complex assembly operations during the replacement process, maintaining ease of operation while preventing contamination.
Solution Approach 2:
The distal rigid optical fiber is designed as a disposable or limited-life component that can be quickly replaced when contaminated or degraded. This approach prioritizes contamination prevention over operational complexity by using simple, standardized replaceable units.
3Productivity
If a quick-release mechanism is implemented for fiber replacement, then productivity is improved, but the reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The release mechanism extracts and separates the distal fiber from the handpiece using a simple lever or button action that disengages a locking feature. This extracted release mechanism provides quick replacement capability while maintaining reliable connection during use through a robust locking interface.
Solution Approach 2:
The fiber holding mechanism transitions between two dynamic states: a locked state during operation that ensures reliable connection, and an unlocked state during replacement that enables quick changes. This dynamic design allows the system to switch between reliability and productivity modes as needed.
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
Facilitates quick and inexpensive replacement of fiber tips, maintains sterility, and prevents internal contamination, making the handpiece intuitive to use and cost-effective while ensuring reliable delivery of laser energy.
Implementation Method 1
a spring or other urging means
Implementation Method 2
the spring urges the jaws to clamp the fiber tip
Implementation Method 3
an aspiration conduit for positive pressure to inhibit internal contamination
Data Source
AI summary
A hand piece for delivering energy from a laser to a target through a fiber tip includes an elongated handle having a proximal end and a distal end. An axial bore traverses the handle along a longitudinal axis thereof. A fiber tip holding mechanism is fixed within the axial bore of the handle and includes a forward section fixed with the handle, a spring, and a rear section that includes a hollow collet projecting forward therefrom that traverses the spring and the forward section. The forward section is slidable rearward towards the rear section to compress the spring in a rear position. The spring urges the forward section forward into a forward position. A chuck is fixed with the forward end of the fiber tip holding mechanism and includes a tapered sleeve and two or more oppositely tapered jaws.