Optical Distribution Connector for Endoscope Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing endoscope systems require separate light sources and processors for each device, leading to an increased scale and complexity.
Innovation Solution
An optical distribution connector that allows for detachable optical connection between processors and endoscope devices, featuring optical elements with defined spectral distribution wavelength characteristics to distribute light across multiple devices, eliminating the need for individual light sources.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate light sources and processors are prepared for each endoscope device, then each device can operate independently, but the scale of the endoscope system becomes large
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple light sources into a single shared light source that serves multiple endoscope devices simultaneously. The optical distribution connector distributes light from one light source to multiple devices, eliminating the need for separate light sources and reducing overall system scale while maintaining independent operation capability through the ability to control each device's light intensity independently
Solution Approach 2:
The optical distribution connector serves multiple functions: it distributes light from a single light source to multiple endoscope devices, controls light intensity for each device independently, and enables both combined and independent operation modes. This multi-functional component replaces what would otherwise require separate light sources and control systems for each device
2Device complexity
If multiple endoscope devices are connected to share monitors and VCR, then device configuration is slimmed, but separate light sources and processors are still required for each device
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple light sources into a single shared light source that serves multiple endoscope devices. The optical distribution connector enables this consolidation by distributing light from one source to multiple devices, reducing the quantity of light sources from multiple individual units to a single shared unit while maintaining the ability to serve multiple devices
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 configuration reduces the overall scale of the endoscope system while enabling various observation modes and functions by controlling the type and intensity of light output from a single light source, allowing for efficient use of multiple endoscope devices simultaneously.
Implementation Method 1
at least one optical element that distributes light emitted from a light source included in the processor in each direction of the plurality of medical device mounting portions
Implementation Method 2
at least one optical element has a spectral distribution wavelength characteristic defined by the light transmittance and the light reflectance for each of the plurality of wavelength bands of light
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a technique for further reducing the scale of an endoscope system. An optical distribution connector according to the present disclosure discloses an optical distribution connector (additional connector) which includes an optical connector portion that is configured to be attachable to and detachable from a processor and realizes an optical connection with the processor, a plurality of medical device mounting portions, each of which is attachable to and detachable from a medical device, and at least one optical element that distributes light emitted from a light source included in the processor in each direction of the plurality of medical device mounting portions. In this optical distribution connector, at least one optical element has a spectral distribution wavelength characteristic defined by the light transmittance and the light reflectance for each of the plurality of wavelength bands of light (see FIG. 5).