Endoscopic Optical Channel Closure for Lens Contamination Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing medical instruments face challenges in maintaining the cleanliness of optical elements, particularly light-conducting devices, due to contamination from fluids entering the working channel during use.
Innovation Solution
The instrument incorporates a channel with a light passage opening and an immovable optical element, protected by a closure device that controls the passage of light and fluids using gas flow or actuating elements, ensuring the optical element remains clean by blocking contaminants while allowing light transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If the optical element is immovably supported in the channel, then the structural stability is improved, but the optical element cannot be moved out of the contamination area to be cleaned
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the optical element from the contaminated environment by providing a separate clean channel that leads to a clean room. The optical element is positioned such that its light-conducting surface faces a contamination area, but the element itself can be accessed and removed through the clean channel for cleaning without moving the entire instrument.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a closure device as an intermediary element that controls access to the optical element. This closure device can be opened to allow cleaning of the optical element while maintaining the separation between clean and contaminated areas, enabling maintenance without compromising structural stability.
2Illumination intensity
If the channel is open to allow light passage, then the optical function is improved, but contaminants can enter and deposit on the optical element
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the channel system into two separate segments: a first channel that is open to the contamination area and allows light passage to the optical element, and a second channel that is open to a clean room and provides access for cleaning. This segmentation allows the optical element to be illuminated while protecting it from contamination by providing separate access paths.
Solution Approach 2:
The closure device serves as an intermediary that can selectively open or close access to the optical element. When closed, it prevents contaminants from reaching the optical element while allowing light to pass through. When opened, it enables cleaning access without compromising the light transmission function.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a closure device is added to protect the optical element, then the protection from contamination is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The closure device is designed to be operable from the clean room side, allowing operators to open and close it for cleaning purposes without requiring additional control mechanisms or increasing complexity on the contamination side. The device serves itself by providing automatic protection when closed and enabling maintenance when opened.
Solution Approach 2:
The closure device performs multiple functions: it protects the optical element from contamination, maintains the separation between clean and contaminated areas, and enables access for cleaning. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components, thereby limiting the increase in overall device complexity.
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 solution effectively prevents contamination of the optical element by ensuring the light passage window is shielded from particles and droplets, maintaining clear visibility and analytical accuracy during medical procedures.
Implementation Method 1
an optical element (26) arranged inside the channel (20), which comprises a light passage window (27)
Implementation Method 2
A closure device (28) is arranged between light passage window (27) and opening (25) of channel (20), which blocks passage of substances, particularly passage of liquid droplets and particles
Implementation Method 3
inside a channel (20) in which a flow of gas can be maintained or can be caused in distal direction
Data Source
AI summary
An instrument according to the invention for medical or surgical treatment of a human or animal patient comprises at least one tool suitable for influencing a patient, e.g. an electrode, which is or are located in the field of view of an optical element. The optical element is arranged inside a channel in which a fluid flow can be maintained or can be caused in distal direction. The light passage window of optical element is offset relative to the distal opening of channel in proximal direction. A closure device is arranged between light passage window and opening of channel, which blocks passage of substances, particularly passage of liquid droplets and particles, from the opening to the light passage window as long as it is in closed position. If the closure device is open, it unblocks the fluid path and the light path between the light passage window to the opening. Preferably the closure device is controlled pneumatically by means of the liquid or gaseous fluid flowing inside channel. With this measure a contamination of the light passage window during operation of the instrument can be reliably avoided or at least reduced to a minor degree.