Surgical Laser Tip Alignment Assembly for Sterile Optical Connection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current surgical laser handpieces face challenges in sterilization, as autoclave temperatures are too severe and gas sterilization is time-consuming and costly, while disposable tips cause optical alignment issues with laser diodes.
Innovation Solution
A sterile, disposable tip apparatus with a quick alignment and connection assembly, featuring a releasable locking mechanism and optical alignment system, including a conductive wire sensor and optical sensing assembly for precise alignment with the laser diode source.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a disposable tip is used to avoid sterilization issues, then sterilization problems are resolved, but optical alignment problems occur between the tips and the diode laser source
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary alignment assembly that includes alignment features on both the disposable tip and the reusable handpiece. This alignment assembly acts as a mediator that ensures precise optical alignment between the optical fiber in the disposable tip and the diode laser source in the handpiece, thereby resolving the alignment problems associated with disposable tips while maintaining sterilization reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The alignment features are pre-configured into the disposable tip and handpiece design during manufacturing. The alignment assembly is designed with predetermined geometric features that automatically guide and constrain the optical components into proper alignment when the tip is attached to the handpiece, eliminating the need for complex real-time alignment adjustments
2Reliability
If autoclave sterilization is used for handpieces, then thorough sterilization is achieved, but the temperatures are too severe for laser surgical handpieces to withstand
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into two segments: a reusable handpiece and a disposable tip. The disposable tip can be sterilized using autoclave methods without affecting the handpiece, while the handpiece avoids exposure to severe autoclave temperatures. This segmentation allows each component to be treated according to its specific requirements, resolving the contradiction between sterilization effectiveness and handpiece durability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a disposable tip that is discarded after a single use, eliminating the need to subject the expensive and sensitive handpiece to harsh sterilization processes. The disposable tip can be sterilized separately if needed, while the handpiece maintains its integrity by never being exposed to autoclave temperatures, thus preserving both sterilization effectiveness and handpiece strength
3Reliability
If gas sterilization is used for handpieces, then sterilization is achieved, but the process is time consuming and costly
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the system into reusable handpiece and disposable tip, the sterilization burden is shifted to the disposable component. The handpiece requires no sterilization between uses, eliminating time-consuming gas sterilization processes. The disposable tip can be pre-sterilized in bulk or individually as needed, significantly reducing the time and cost of sterilization operations while maintaining effectiveness
Data Source
AI summary
An assembly for alignment of a sterile, releasably locking optical tip assembly housing an optical fiber connection to a laser surgical device includes a conductive wire sensing element. A second embodiment includes an emitter and a detector.