Pluggable Vision Module for Endoscopy Sterilization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current endoscopic illumination and vision technologies are limited by their complexity, cost, and sterilization capabilities, making them unsuitable for frequent use and portable medical procedures, and they often require replacement of entire devices for upgrades, which is expensive and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
Development of removable and pluggable opto-electronic illumination and vision modules using solid state light sources, such as LEDs, and imaging systems that can be easily integrated into existing medical devices, providing autoclavable solutions and enabling stereoscopic or high Field of View capabilities, and allowing for in vivo tissue analysis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If traditional fiber optic illumination systems are used, then illumination capability is provided, but device complexity and cost increase, and sterilization is difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The illumination system is segmented into modular components: a reusable endoscope body containing fiber optic illumination bundles, and a separate pluggable vision module containing the camera and electronics. This allows the critical sterilization zone (endoscope body) to be separated from non-sterilizable components (vision module with batteries and electronics), enabling autoclaving of the endoscope body while retaining the vision module through magnetic attachment.
Solution Approach 2:
The vision module containing the camera, processor, and power source is extracted from the endoscope body and placed as a separate pluggable component. This extraction allows the endoscope body to be fully sterilized by autoclaving while the vision module, which contains non-sterilizable electronic components, remains separate and can be attached magnetically without compromising sterilization integrity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If entire endoscopic devices are replaced for upgrades, then new technology is achieved, but cost and time consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from static, permanent installations to dynamic, reconfigurable connections. The vision module can be quickly detached and reattached to different endoscope bodies through magnetic coupling, allowing rapid upgrades of imaging technology without replacing the entire endoscopic system. This dynamic reconfiguration enables cost-effective technology evolution.
Solution Approach 2:
The endoscope body is designed with universal magnetic attachment interfaces that can accommodate multiple versions of the vision module. This universality allows a single endoscope body to work with different camera systems, processors, and imaging technologies, enabling upgrades through component replacement rather than complete system replacement.
3Measurement precision
If conventional imaging systems are used, then basic visualization is achieved, but imaging capabilities are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The vision system is segmented into independent functional modules: imaging sensor, image processor, magnetic attachment interface, and power connection. This modular segmentation allows high-resolution imaging capabilities to be integrated into a compact vision module that attaches to the endoscope body without increasing overall system complexity, as each module can be independently optimized.
Solution Approach 2:
The vision module is designed to nest within the endoscope body structure, utilizing the existing housing and optical pathways. The magnetic attachment mechanism allows the vision module to be inserted into and secured within the endoscope body, creating a nested configuration that maintains compact dimensions while enabling advanced imaging capabilities.
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
These modules enable cost-effective upgrades, improved sterilization capabilities, and enhanced imaging capabilities, allowing for more efficient and portable minimally invasive surgical procedures with real-time tissue analysis and reduced need for biopsy, while eliminating the limitations of traditional fiber optic systems.
Implementation Method 1
removable and pluggable opto-electronic illumination and vision modules using solid state light sources, such as LEDs
Implementation Method 2
imaging systems that can be easily integrated into existing medical devices, providing autoclavable solutions and enabling stereoscopic or high Field of View capabilities
Data Source
AI summary
Various embodiments for providing removable and pluggable opto-electronic modules for illumination and imaging for endoscopy or borescopy are provided for use with portable display devices. Generally, various medical or industrial devices can include one or more solid state or other compact electro-optic illuminating elements located thereon. Additionally, such opto-electronic modules may include illuminating optics, imaging optics, and/or image capture devices. The illuminating elements may have different wavelengths and can be time-synchronized with an image sensor to illuminate an object for imaging or detecting purpose or other conditioning purpose. The removable opto-electronic modules may be plugged in on the exterior surface of a device, inside the device, deployably coupled to the distal end of the device, or otherwise disposed on the device.