Proctoscope LED Illumination and Ultrasonic Sensor Positioning

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing medical devices for diagnosing and treating hemorrhoids, such as proctoscopes, face challenges with inadequate illumination and ultrasonic sensor placement, leading to reduced diagnostic accuracy and operational effectiveness during procedures.

Innovation Solution

A proctoscope design featuring a translucent housing with integrated light-emitting diodes (LEDs) as a light source and an ultrasonic sensor positioned closer to the opening for improved illumination and visualization, along with a modular construction for enhanced manufacturing and usability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If the light source is located in the hand grip or in an expanded part of the barrel, then the device structure is simplified, but the illumination intensity and quality at the working area is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice structureVSAvoidillumination quality
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSIllumination intensity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from a single point light source in the hand grip to a distributed linear light source arranged along the longitudinal axis of the barrel. This dimensional change from point to line illumination ensures that light is delivered directly to the working area through the translucent housing, significantly improving illumination intensity and quality while maintaining structural simplicity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Device complexity

If the ultrasonic probe is located in the area preceding the window, then the device structure is simplified, but the diagnostic accuracy and measurement precision is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice structureVSAvoiddiagnostic accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent repositions the ultrasonic sensor from a location preceding the window to the terminal part of the housing at the window level. This spatial repositioning places the sensor in the optimal location for ultrasonic wave emission and reception, directly improving diagnostic accuracy and measurement precision while maintaining a simple integrated structure within the housing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Reliability

If the window is kept in a closed position during insertion, then patient safety is improved, but the device cannot be used for examination and treatment simultaneously

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepatient safetyVSAvoidexamination and treatment capability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a mobile wall that can slide between closed and open positions. During insertion, the wall remains closed to ensure patient safety. Upon insertion, the wall can be opened to provide access to the working area for simultaneous examination and treatment. This dynamic mechanism resolves the contradiction by providing context-dependent functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

4Illumination intensity

If the housing is made translucent for better visualization, then illumination effectiveness is improved, but manufacturing precision and material selection become more constrained

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveillumination effectivenessVSAvoidmaterial selection
Core Design Contradiction:
Illumination intensityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent specifies that the housing be made of translucent material with particular optical properties to allow effective light transmission from the linear LED array. This parameter specification (translucency) guides material selection and manufacturing processes, ensuring that the housing provides sufficient light transmission while maintaining structural integrity and manufacturability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 enhances procedural accuracy and reliability by providing consistent, shadow-free illumination and precise ultrasonic control, making it possible to perform hemorrhoidal vessel ligation with increased precision and safety, while also simplifying manufacturing and making the device suitable for single-use disposable products.

Implementation Method 1

a plate or panel which has light emitting diodes (LEDs) arranged in the lower part thereof, along its length, and functioning as a light source

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight-emitting diode (LED): Light Emitting Diode

Implementation Method 2

an ultrasonic sensor accommodated in an upper part of said plate or panel, said sensor having an outlet to the outer surface of the housing

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectUltrasonic waves: Ultrasound

Implementation Method 3

for diagnostics and treatment of haemorrhoids and is used in performing suture ligation of haemorrhoidal vessels conducted under the control by Doppler ultrasonography

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDoppler ultrasonography: Doppler Effect

Data Source

PatentEP3248537B1proctoscope
Publication Date: 2019.09.25 AO NPF BIOSS
  • EP3248537B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3248537B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP3248537B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

The device relates to instruments for medical examination and diagnostic and treatment procedures with respect to body cavities. The device (proctoscope) is used in coloproctology and is intended for diagnosing and treating haemorrhoids, and is used in an operation for sutural ligation of haemorrhoidal vessels carried out under the guidance of ultrasonic Doppler sonography. The proctoscope comprises a translucent housing with an opening for access to the surface of the rectum; a head of the housing; an ultrasonic sensor; a light source; and a handle. In a lower part of the housing, there is a compartment with internal side walls, said compartment having disposed therein a plate or panel which has light-emitting diodes disposed in the lower part thereof, along the length thereof, which fulfil the role of a light source, wherein said light-emitting diodes are arranged in such a way that the light flux thereof is oriented primarily perpendicularly to the internal side walls of the compartment, while the ultrasonic sensor is accommodated in an upper part of the plate or panel, said sensor having an outlet to the outer face of the housing in the terminal thereof, between the opening and the head of the housing, wherein the sensor is arranged with an inclination towards the opening; furthermore, the terminal of the plate or panel is disposed in a stop inside the head of the housing, which makes it possible to increase the accuracy of the manipulations carried out and the quality of the operation of the device.