Modular Endoscope Coupling for Miniaturized Imaging and Shared Power
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current surgical endoscopes face challenges in maintaining image resolution with miniaturization, requiring multiple device consoles and complex setups, which are costly and inefficient for in-office procedures, especially in resource-limited settings.
Innovation Solution
A modular, detachable endoscope system with interchangeable components and a portable control box for power and data transmission, allowing multiple devices to be connected and shared across platforms, reducing the need for multiple consoles and simplifying setups.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If endoscope shaft diameter is reduced for miniaturization, then endoscope size is improved, but image resolution deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The endoscope system is divided into modular detachable components including the endoscope shaft, housing, and instrument. This segmentation allows the imaging components (CMOS sensor and LED) to be concentrated in a compact distal section while the shaft can be made extremely thin (1mm or less), resolving the contradiction between miniaturization and maintaining image resolution capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The distal end of the endoscope shaft contains nested components including the CMOS sensor and LED light source positioned in close proximity. This nesting arrangement maximizes the density of critical imaging components within the minimal shaft diameter, enabling high-resolution imaging despite the extremely small overall shaft size.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple device consoles are used for surgical procedures, then functional capabilities are improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The endoscope housing is designed as a universal platform that can attach to multiple different surgical instruments and platforms. The detachable coupling mechanism allows a single housing with integrated imaging and lighting to serve multiple surgical functions, eliminating the need for separate imaging systems for each instrument and reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system merges the imaging sensor, light source, and instrument attachment into a single integrated housing unit. This consolidation combines multiple functions (imaging, illumination, and instrument coupling) that would traditionally require separate devices, thereby reducing the number of consoles needed while maintaining full functional capabilities.
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
The system enables efficient, cost-effective, and streamlined surgical procedures by allowing multiple devices to share a single power source and data connectivity, improving patient comfort and reducing operational complexity.
Implementation Method 1
distal CMOS sensors for image capture
Implementation Method 2
light emitting diodes (LEDs) for anatomic lighting
Data Source
AI summary
The technology described herein is directed toward a detachable, powered, modular endoscope system with interconnected components and coupling mechanisms that enable power or data signal connectivity between many different detachable instruments, devices, and endoscope shaft variations. In some implementations, an endoscope assembly includes: an endoscope housing comprising first circuitry configured to receive one or more data signals, and second circuitry configured to supply power; and a rigid attachment segment distally extending from the endoscope housing, the rigid attachment segment including: third circuitry configured to electrically couple the rigid attachment segment to the first and second circuitry of the endoscope housing, and one or more surfaces configured to be removably, mechanically, and electrically coupled to an instrument, adapter, or cable, the instrument, adapter, or cable configured to receive power from the endoscope housing or transmit data signals to the endoscope housing when electrically coupled to the one or more surfaces.