Light Irradiation Medical Device With a Movable Light Guide

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing light irradiation devices require device replacement to switch between irradiation directions, increasing procedure time and burden on operators and patients.

Innovation Solution

A light irradiation medical device with a movable light guiding device in a shaft, featuring a first window and a reflection surface, allowing for switching irradiation direction by moving the device longitudinally without replacement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If device replacement is performed to switch irradiation direction, then irradiation direction can be changed, but procedure time increases and operator/patient burden increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveirradiation direction switching capabilityVSAvoidprocedure time

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple irradiation directions (forward and sideways) into a single integrated device. The light guiding device can be positioned at different locations within the shaft to enable either forward irradiation through the distal end face or sideways irradiation through the peripheral wall, eliminating the need to replace devices to switch directions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The light guiding device is made movable within the shaft along the longitudinal direction. By dynamically repositioning the light guiding device between a first position (for sideways irradiation) and a second position (for forward irradiation), the system adapts to different irradiation requirements without device replacement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If device replacement is performed to switch irradiation direction, then irradiation direction can be changed, but operator and patient burden increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveirradiation direction switching capabilityVSAvoidoperational burden

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple irradiation directions (forward and sideways) into a single integrated device. The light guiding device can be positioned at different locations within the shaft to enable either forward irradiation through the distal end face or sideways irradiation through the peripheral wall, eliminating the need to replace devices to switch directions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The device enables self-service operation by allowing the operator to switch irradiation directions through simple repositioning of the light guiding device within the shaft, without requiring device replacement or complex operational procedures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Productivity

If a single device is used for both forward and sideways irradiation, then device complexity increases, but device replacement is eliminated

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprocedural efficiencyVSAvoiddevice structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The device is segmented into distinct functional components: a shaft with lumen, a movable light guiding device, a light diffusion part, and positioning mechanisms. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function while maintaining overall system simplicity and ease of manufacture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The light guiding device is made movable within the shaft along the longitudinal direction. By dynamically repositioning the light guiding device between a first position (for sideways irradiation) and a second position (for forward irradiation), the system adapts to different irradiation requirements without device replacement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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

Enhances procedural efficiency by allowing seamless direction switching without device replacement, improving operational efficiency and reducing patient and operator burden.

Implementation Method 1

the shaft has a reflection surface that reflects light emitted from the light guiding device, the reflection surface being disposed distal to the first window and on an inner side of the shaft

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectReflection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentUS12434071B2Light irradiation medical device

Publication Date: 2025.10.07 KANEKA CORP

AI summary

A light irradiation medical device comprising: a shaft having a lumen extending in the longitudinal direction; and a light guiding device that is disposed in the lumen of the shaft and is movable in the longitudinal direction. The light guiding device extends in the longitudinal direction and has a light diffusion part at a distal part of the light guiding device. The shaft has: a first window in a peripheral wall of a distal part of the shaft; and a second window at a distal end face of the shaft. The shaft has a reflection surface inside the shaft and at a distal side with respect to the first window, and reflects light emitted from the light guiding device.