Non-conductive Borescope Shaft and LED Illumination for Smoke Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Medical borescopes face challenges in imaging through smoke and particles due to conductive materials causing electrical arcing and fogging, and require electromagnetic shielding, which complicates electrosurgical procedures.
Innovation Solution
The use of non-conductive materials, such as fiber-reinforced thermosetting polyester, for the borescope shaft and tip, reducing electrical and thermal conductivity, and employing LEDs with a spectrum lacking infrared radiation and a blue spectral maximum to improve visibility through smoke, along with a larger aperture size for better imaging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If conductive materials are used in the borescope shaft, then structural strength is improved, but electrical arcing occurs during electrosurgical procedures
Solution Approach 1:
The borescope shaft is constructed using composite materials, specifically a non-conductive polymer matrix (such as polyether ether ketone or polyamide) reinforced with electrically non-conductive fibers (such as glass fibers or carbon fiber coatings). This composite structure provides the necessary mechanical strength while maintaining electrical non-conductivity to prevent arcing during electrosurgical procedures
2Strength
If conductive materials are used in the borescope shaft, then structural strength is improved, but thermal conduction causes fogging
Solution Approach 1:
The shaft uses composite materials with a non-conductive polymer matrix and electrically non-conductive fiber reinforcement, which inherently provide thermal insulation properties. This reduces thermal conduction from the proximal end to the distal end, preventing condensation and fogging on the lens and image sensor during surgical procedures
3Reliability
If electromagnetic shielding is added to the borescope, then electromagnetic interference is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the fundamental electrical parameter of the shaft material from conductive to non-conductive. This parameter change inherently provides electromagnetic isolation between the proximal and distal ends of the borescope, eliminating the need for additional electromagnetic shielding layers or components while maintaining reliability during electrosurgical procedures
4Illumination intensity
If conventional light sources with infrared radiation are used, then illumination is improved, but visibility through smoke is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The light source parameters are changed by selecting LEDs with specific spectral characteristics that emit primarily in the blue-green region of the visible spectrum (450-550 nm) and minimize or eliminate infrared radiation. This spectral parameter change allows light to penetrate smoke particles more effectively, improving visibility through the smoke generated during electrosurgical procedures
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 solution enhances imaging capabilities in smoky conditions, reduces electrical arcing and fogging, and eliminates the need for electromagnetic shielding, providing clear visibility during electrosurgical procedures.
Implementation Method 1
one or more LED light sources configured to emit electromagnetic radiation that is at least substantially lacking in infrared radiation and/or that has at least a local maximum (in some embodiments, a global maximum) in the blue region of the visible spectrum
Implementation Method 2
the tube preferably at least partially comprises a material that is both electrically and thermally non-conductive... reducing thermal conduction—which may decrease fogging
Data Source
AI summary
Borescopes and related methods that are configured to preclude or minimize imaging in hazy and/or smoky conditions. In some embodiments, the borescope may comprise a shaft made up, at least in part, of a material that is electrically non-conductive material and/or thermally non-conductive, and a tip positioned at a distal end of the shaft. The tip may comprise at least one light source, such as an LED or array of LEDS, configured to deliver electromagnetic radiation in which no more than about 20% of the total spectral output is in the infrared spectrum. The electromagnetic radiation delivered from the at least one light source may comprise a spectrum having at least one of a local maximum and a global maximum between about 450 and about 495 nm. The at least one light source may be configured to deliver between about 20 and about 75 lumens of visible light.