Laser Probe Tip Beveled Surface and Capsule Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current medical laser probe tips face challenges in reducing manufacturing costs and increasing reliability, while effectively directing electromagnetic radiation for precise tissue ablation in various medical procedures.
Innovation Solution
The proposed probe tip design includes a waveguide with a beveled surface for lateral radiation redirection, a primary capsule, a compressible member, and a malleable secondary capsule with crimps to secure the components, enhancing the delivery of electromagnetic radiation and protecting the fiber cap from tissue adhesion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional fiber cap design is used, then the structure is simple, but the reliability is reduced due to tissue adhesion and fiber cap degradation
Solution Approach 1:
The probe tip is divided into multiple segments: a distal tip portion with the fiber cap, a middle portion with the compressible member, and a proximal portion with the secondary capsule. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, improving reliability while managing complexity through modular design
Solution Approach 2:
The fiber cap is nested within the primary capsule, which is in turn nested within the secondary capsule. The compressible member is positioned between these capsules. This nested structure protects the fiber cap from tissue adhesion and degradation while maintaining a compact overall design
2Ease of manufacture
If manufacturing processes are simplified, then costs are reduced, but precision in energy delivery may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The beveled surface is pre-formed on the distal tip of the fiber cap during manufacturing, and the compressible member is pre-positioned between the capsules. These preliminary actions ensure precise energy delivery geometry is built-in during manufacturing rather than requiring complex post-processing, thus maintaining precision while controlling costs
Solution Approach 2:
The beveled surface changes the angle of laser energy delivery from the fiber axis, and the compressible member provides controlled compression to secure components. These parameter changes (angle, compression force) are designed to achieve precise energy delivery without requiring excessively complex manufacturing processes
3Ease of operation
If the fiber cap is exposed to tissue, then the procedure is simple, but tissue adhesion and cap degradation occur
Solution Approach 1:
The primary and secondary capsules act as intermediary protective layers between the fiber cap and the tissue. The compressible member secures these protective layers in place. This intermediary structure prevents direct tissue contact with the fiber cap, eliminating adhesion and degradation issues while maintaining procedural simplicity
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
This design improves the reliability and cost-effectiveness of medical laser probe tips by ensuring precise energy delivery and reducing the risk of fiber cap degradation, while maintaining the efficiency of tissue ablation.
Implementation Method 1
The waveguide is configured to communicate electromagnetic radiation and includes a beveled surface at a distal tip for redirecting electromagnetic radiation in a lateral direction
Implementation Method 2
A malleable secondary capsule is positioned over the primary capsule and the compressible member, and includes a crimp that compresses the compressible member against the primary capsule and secures the secondary capsule to the primary capsule
Data Source
AI summary
A probe tip for communicating and laterally directing electromagnetic radiation comprises a waveguide, a primary capsule, a compressible member and a malleable secondary capsule. The waveguide is configured to communicate electromagnetic radiation and includes a beveled surface at a distal tip for redirecting electromagnetic radiation in a lateral direction. The primary capsule is attached over the distal tip of the waveguide. The compressible member covers a portion of the primary capsule. The malleable secondary capsule is positioned over the primary capsule and the compressible member, and includes a crimp that compresses the compressible member against the primary capsule and secures the secondary capsule to the primary capsule.