Medical Device Electronic Assembly with Integrated Imaging and Lighting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current medical devices, such as endoscopes, face limitations in the arrangement and size of components at the distal tip, particularly in increasing the size of the working channel without enlarging the device's outer diameter, while also delivering high-quality images.
Innovation Solution
The development of an electronic assembly for medical devices that includes a body with electrical connection points and traces, integrated imaging devices, and light sources, all designed to occupy a minimal space while maintaining performance and allowing for additional components or a larger working channel.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If additional elements and a larger working channel are incorporated into the distal tip, then the functionality and image quality are improved, but the outer diameter of the medical device increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functional elements (imaging device, light sources, sensors, and electrical connections) into a single integrated electronic assembly that occupies a compact volume at the distal tip. This merging of functions allows the device to maintain enhanced functionality without increasing the overall outer diameter of the medical device.
Solution Approach 2:
The electronic assembly utilizes three-dimensional spatial arrangement within the distal tip, positioning components in multiple dimensions rather than linearly. The body extends in a first direction with arms projecting in second directions, creating efficient use of available space and allowing functional elements to be arranged in a compact configuration that does not increase the device's outer diameter.
2Ease of operation
If the size of the working channel is increased, then the operational capability is improved, but the outer diameter of the medical device increases
Solution Approach 1:
The distal tip is segmented into distinct functional zones with the electronic assembly occupying a specific portion. This segmentation allows the working channel to be positioned and sized independently of the electronic components, enabling a larger working channel without necessarily increasing the overall device diameter through optimized spatial arrangement.
3Measurement precision
If multiple elements are incorporated into the distal tip, then the imaging quality is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple imaging and sensing elements are merged into a single electronic assembly with integrated electrical connections. This consolidation reduces the number of separate components and connections required, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining high imaging quality through the coordinated operation of multiple sensors and light sources.
Solution Approach 2:
The electronic assembly serves multiple functions simultaneously - imaging, illumination, and sensing - within a single integrated unit. This multi-functionality reduces the overall complexity by eliminating the need for separate assemblies for each function, while still delivering high-quality imaging through the coordinated operation of multiple elements.
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 solution enables a reduced profile of the medical device, allowing it to access smaller anatomical sites while maintaining imaging, illumination, and sensing capabilities, and potentially increasing the size of the working channel without increasing the device's diameter.
Implementation Method 1
The at least one light source may include two light-emitting diodes (LEDs) positioned on opposing sides of the at least one imaging device
Data Source
AI summary
Electronic assemblies for medical devices are described, including an electronic assembly that includes a body, at least one imaging device, and at least one light source. The body may include a plurality of electrical connection points and a plurality of electrical traces in a material that is electrically insulative. The plurality of electrical connection points may be on one or more external surfaces of the body. The plurality of electrical connection points may include proximal and distal connection points. Each electrical trace may connect a proximal connection point to a respective distal connection point. The at least one imaging device may be coupled to one or more of the distal connection points and/or the at least one light source may be coupled to one or more of the distal connection points.