Magnetic Micromotor Endoscopic Probe with Axial Light Path
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing side-viewing endoscopic probes with integrated motors are limited by the large dimensions of motors, making them difficult to maneuver in curved and confined body channels, which restricts their ability to provide precise and repeatable positioning within organs without damaging tissues.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a flexible endoscopic probe with a magnetic micromotor that includes a rotor with an axial aperture, allowing for a compact and flexible structure with a light deflector that can rotate to provide unobstructed 360-degree viewing, using a ferrofluid bearing to reduce friction and enable efficient energy transfer through a transparent path.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a motor is integrated into the endoscopic probe to enable side-viewing capability, then the probe can scan circumferential tissue walls, but the large dimensions of the motor make the probe difficult to maneuver in curved and confined body channels
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical motor components with a magnetic micromotor system. The magnetic micromotor uses magnetic fields instead of mechanical linkages, eliminating the need for complex mechanical transmission components and reducing the overall size of the motor assembly, thereby improving maneuverability while maintaining side-viewing capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent repositions the motor from a longitudinal arrangement to a transverse arrangement at the distal end of the probe. This dimensional change allows the motor to be positioned perpendicular to the probe axis, reducing the longitudinal footprint and enabling better navigation through curved channels while maintaining the light deflector's rotational capability
2Reliability
If a long rigid portion is used to enclose the micromotor and imaging components, then the components are protected and structurally stable, but the catheter becomes difficult to maneuver in curved ducts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the probe structure into a flexible catheter portion and a localized rigid housing at the distal end. This segmentation allows the majority of the probe to remain flexible for navigation, while only the essential motor and optical components are enclosed in a short rigid section, balancing structural stability with maneuverability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a flexible catheter construction with a thin-walled structure that allows bending and navigation through curved channels. The flexible material enables the probe to conform to the anatomy of curved ducts while maintaining structural integrity, replacing the need for a long rigid enclosing portion
3Ease of operation
If the motor dimensions are reduced to improve maneuverability, then the probe can navigate narrower channels, but the torque and scanning effectiveness may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the motor type from a traditional mechanical motor to a magnetic micromotor, fundamentally altering the operating parameters. The magnetic micromotor achieves high torque density through magnetic field interaction, providing sufficient scanning force despite the reduced physical dimensions, thereby maintaining both maneuverability and scanning effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses high-strength, lightweight materials in the motor construction to maximize torque output relative to the motor size. The composite material approach allows the micromotor to achieve optimal strength-to-weight ratio and torque density, ensuring adequate scanning capability while maintaining compact dimensions for navigation through narrow channels
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 configuration allows for more maneuverable and precise imaging within small passages, such as bronchi, while maintaining sufficient torque for effective scanning, enhancing the ability to diagnose tissues without causing damage.
Implementation Method 1
The rotor is configured to provide a light path extending axially through the rotor, the light path arranged to carry light between the light deflector and the light guide
Implementation Method 2
using a ferrofluid bearing to reduce friction and enable efficient energy transfer through a transparent path
Implementation Method 3
The design incorporates a flexible endoscopic probe with a magnetic micromotor that includes a rotor with an axial aperture, allowing for a compact and flexible structure with a light deflector that can rotate
Data Source
AI summary
An endoscopic probe comprises a flexible light guide extending from a proximal end of the endoscopic probe to a distal end portion of the endoscopic probe. A motor is disposed in the distal end portion of the endoscopic probe. The motor comprises a rotor coupled to drive rotation of a light deflector. The light deflector is located between the rotor and a distal end of the endoscopic probe. The rotor is configured to provide a light path extending axially through the rotor. The light path arranged to carry light between the light deflector and the light guide. The endoscopic probe may be applied for helical scanning walls of small passages in any of a wide range of modalities such as OCT, fluorescence imaging, Raman spectroscopy, reflectance imaging.