Removable Transparent Film for Minimally Invasive Camera Optics
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Solution Overview
Problem
In minimally invasive surgery, frequent instrument changes are necessary to clean fogged or splashed optics, disrupting the surgeon's workflow and prolonging operation times, as existing methods require removing and reinserting the camera optics every 10-30 minutes for cleaning.
Innovation Solution
A camera system with a transparent, removable film covering the optics, allowing for successive cleaning by peeling off individual sections, which can be done intracorporeally using a gripper or removal device, minimizing the need for repeated instrument changes and ensuring residue-free removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the optics are cleaned by removing and reinserting the camera every 10-30 minutes, then the image quality is maintained, but the operation time increases and workflow is interrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the cleaning function into separate disposable films that are attached to the optics. Instead of removing the entire camera system for cleaning, only the contaminated film sections are removed and replaced. This segmentation allows maintenance of image quality while minimizing interruption to the surgical procedure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs disposable films that are attached to the optics and discarded after use. These films are inexpensive compared to the camera system and can be quickly replaced without requiring complex cleaning procedures or reinsertion of the entire camera, thereby reducing operation time while maintaining image quality.
2Reliability
If the optics are cleaned frequently, then image quality is maintained, but the surgeon's workflow is interrupted
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the optics into a permanent camera component and removable film sections, the patent enables cleaning without disrupting the surgeon's workflow. The films can be quickly changed by simple attachment and detachment actions, maintaining workflow continuity while ensuring image quality through regular cleaning.
Solution Approach 2:
The disposable films are designed to be easily attached and removed by the surgical team without requiring complex procedures. This self-service approach allows rapid replacement of contaminated films, maintaining image quality while minimizing workflow interruption.
3Productivity
If multiple transparent films are used for successive cleanings, then the number of instrument changes is reduced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the cleaning function into multiple disposable film layers that can be successively removed. This segmentation allows multiple cleanings without changing the underlying camera or optic structure, improving cleaning efficiency while keeping the actual device complexity low since the films are simple, separate components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a system where contaminated film sections are discarded and replaced with fresh films. This approach improves productivity by enabling successive cleanings without complex recovery or reconditioning procedures, while the simplicity of the disposable films keeps the overall device complexity manageable.
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 simplifies the cleaning process by allowing multiple cleanings without instrument changes, reducing operation time and minimizing workflow interruptions, while maintaining image quality and safety with biocompatible materials.
Implementation Method 1
the film can have a removable adhesive layer that bonds the film to the optics, and especially to at least one surface of the optics
Implementation Method 2
Alternatively, the connection between the optics and the film can be achieved through van der Waals forces or adhesion
Data Source
Figure 1~3
AI summary
A camera system, particularly for minimally invasive surgery, comprising an optic, wherein the optic is connected to at least one transparent film and the film is removable. Furthermore, a method for cleaning a camera in minimally invasive surgery, in which the camera's optic is cleaned intracorporeally using a cleaning device.