Modular Endoscope Optical Module Segmentation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Multi-use endoscopes face challenges with performance degradation over time, potential for cross-contamination due to inadequate cleaning, and the financial burden of using outdated technology, as they are not designed for optimal per-procedure device selection or affordability.
Innovation Solution
A modular endoscope design featuring a reusable optical module and single-use or limited-reuse outer sheath and optical window, allowing for easy replacement and maintenance, along with a business model that enables periodic refurbishment and upgrading, ensuring optimal performance and reducing cross-contamination risks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If multi-use endoscopes are used over multiple procedures to spread acquisition cost, then cost-effectiveness is improved, but performance degradation and reliability worsen over time
Solution Approach 1:
The endoscope is divided into modular components (optical module, processor, display device, power supply) that can be independently replaced. This allows the system to maintain reliability by swapping degraded components while preserving the overall investment, resolving the contradiction between cost-effectiveness and performance degradation.
Solution Approach 2:
The endoscope system transitions from a static capital asset to a dynamic, reconfigurable platform where components can be exchanged between procedures. This enables the system to adapt to performance requirements while maintaining cost-effectiveness through strategic component replacement rather than complete device replacement.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If manual cleaning protocols are followed to sterilize endoscopes, then cross-contamination is reduced, but cleaning steps may be skipped or insufficiently completed, resulting in dirty endoscopes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a hybrid model where certain components (optical module, processor) are designed as single-use or limited-reuse items that are discarded or refurbished after a set number of uses. This eliminates cross-contamination risks for these components while maintaining cost-effectiveness through selective replacement rather than complete disposability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the usage parameter of endoscope components from indefinite multi-use to limited-reuse with specific replacement criteria. This parameter change ensures that components are replaced before degradation or contamination becomes problematic, maintaining safety while reducing reliance on manual cleaning compliance.
3Reliability
If endoscopes are sent for repair/refurbishment when performance degradation is noticed, then device functionality is restored, but service entities are not incentivized to perform timely service, extending time between servicing
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements preventive replacement of components based on predetermined usage counts or time intervals rather than waiting for performance degradation to occur. This preliminary action ensures components are serviced or replaced before failure, maintaining reliability while preventing extended periods of potential malfunction.
Solution Approach 2:
The endoscope system incorporates tracking mechanisms that monitor component usage and provide feedback on performance status. This feedback enables timely intervention for servicing or replacement, preventing extended periods of degraded performance and ensuring components are maintained within optimal operational parameters.
4Loss of energy
If the same endoscope technology is used for extended periods to spread acquisition cost, then financial burden is reduced, but technology becomes outdated, forcing upgrade expenses
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the endoscope into replaceable modules, the system allows individual components to be upgraded independently as technology advances. This enables incremental technology updates without requiring complete system replacement, maintaining cost-effectiveness while preventing technology obsolescence.
Solution Approach 2:
The modular architecture creates a universal platform where different generations of components can be mixed and matched. This multi-functionality allows the base system to remain while components are progressively upgraded, enabling the system to adapt to new technology standards without abandoning the original investment.
Data Source
AI summary
An endoscope having an outer sheath, a handle, an optical window and an optical module. The outer sheath includes a lumen extending between a proximal end and a distal end thereof. The handle is mounted at the proximal end of the outer sheath and includes an external data connector. The optical window is removably and sealingly mounted at the distal end of the outer sheath. The optical module is removably disposed within the distal end of the outer sheath and includes an integrated image sensor, an optical lens, and an optical module connector. The optical module connector is configured for selective disconnection from and reconnection to a mating line connector in electrical communication with the external data connector of the handle. The optical module and the outer sheath further include one or more alignment features configured to ensure correct radial and axial positioning.