Modular Laser Light Source for Cost-Effective Disposable Endoscopes
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current endoscope systems, particularly disposable ones, face challenges in achieving high-luminance lighting cost-effectively, and there is a need for a lighting solution that meets biocompatibility, electrical safety, and sterilization requirements while optimizing material choices for single-use applications.
Innovation Solution
A modular endoscope design with a first component containing a laser light source and a converter, coupled to a second component with a light guide and optional camera chip, allowing for detachable connection, where the converter converts laser light into different wavelengths for high-intensity illumination, and the second component can be disposable or reusable.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If conventional light sources are used in disposable endoscopes, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but illumination intensity is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The endoscope system is divided into reusable and disposable parts. The expensive laser light source and converter are placed in a reusable handpiece, while the light guide and other components are in a disposable insertion section. This segmentation allows the high-intensity laser to be used without making the entire endoscope expensive.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the light source from conventional LEDs to laser diodes with specific wavelengths (405nm, 450nm, 488nm, 532nm, 640nm). This parameter change enables much higher illumination intensity while the modular design controls the cost impact.
2Illumination intensity
If expensive laser light sources are used, then illumination quality is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates the expensive laser source from the disposable insertion section. The laser and wavelength converter remain in the reusable handpiece, while only the light guide and distal components are disposable, reducing overall manufacturing cost while maintaining high illumination quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The reusable handpiece with laser source and converter can serve multiple disposable insertion sections. This multi-functionality amortizes the high cost of the laser system across multiple endoscope units, reducing the effective manufacturing cost per unit.
3Manufacturing precision
If complex optical assemblies with multiple lenses are used, then imaging quality is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical lens assemblies with gradient-index (GRIN) lenses that achieve similar or better optical performance through material properties rather than multiple mechanical elements. This reduces device complexity while maintaining imaging quality.
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 design enables high-quality illumination with laser intensity, simplifies handling, and allows for cost-effective production by separating expensive components for multiple uses from inexpensive components for single-use applications, ensuring biocompatibility and safety.
Implementation Method 1
a converter which converts at least part of the laser light into light of a different wavelength (secondary light) and emits it
Data Source
Figure 1~2e
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The invention relates generally to a light source for an endoscope and/or for an endoscope system, for example for a disposable endoscope and/or a disposable endoscope system.