Removable Functionalized Head for Optical Fibre
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing use of optical fibers in medical applications, such as endoscopy, requires a large number of disposable fibers with specific functional ends, leading to bulk and management issues in operating theaters, and poses challenges in storage, sterilization, and waste management, particularly when functionalized for cancer cell detection or phototherapy.
Innovation Solution
A removable functionalized exploration head is designed to be attached to the optical fiber, allowing for easy selection and use of specific functional heads with different functionalities, reducing the need for multiple fibers and enabling separate storage and sterilization conditions for each head.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple disposable optical fibres with specific functional ends are used for different medical applications, then the functionality and adaptability are improved, but the volume and bulk in operating theatre increase
Solution Approach 1:
The optical fibre system is segmented into two independent parts: a reusable core fibre and interchangeable functional heads. The core fibre contains only the optical transmission elements, while the functional elements are separated into removable heads that can be attached or detached as needed. This segmentation allows the functional capabilities to be changed without replacing the entire fibre, significantly reducing the volume of materials needed in the operating theatre.
Solution Approach 2:
A single universal core fibre is designed to be compatible with multiple different functional heads, each tailored for specific medical applications such as cancer cell detection or phototherapy. The core fibre serves multiple functions by interfacing with different heads, eliminating the need for multiple specialized fibres and reducing overall volume while maintaining adaptability.
2Device complexity
If functionalised heads are permanently attached to optical fibres, then the device complexity is reduced, but the storage and sterilisation management becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the system into separable core fibre and functional head components, each part can be stored and sterilized independently under its optimal conditions. Functional heads with sensitive functionalizations can be stored in controlled environments, while core fibres can undergo standard sterilization procedures, simplifying overall management.
Solution Approach 2:
The design enables functional heads to be easily discarded after use or recovered and reused with different core fibres. This facilitates streamlined sterilization protocols where heads can be processed separately, and the reusable core fibres can be efficiently recovered and prepared for subsequent procedures.
3Ease of manufacture
If functionalised optical fibres are sterilised together, then the process is simplified, but the functionalisation may be damaged by harsh sterilisation conditions
Solution Approach 1:
Separating the functional head from the core fibre allows differential sterilization strategies. Core fibres can be subjected to robust sterilization methods, while functional heads with sensitive biomolecules can be sterilized using gentler methods or stored under controlled conditions that preserve their functionalization integrity.
4Productivity
If multiple specific optical fibres are prepared in advance for different applications, then the readiness for various procedures is improved, but the quantity and management burden increase
Solution Approach 1:
A small inventory of universal core fibres can support a wide range of medical procedures by interfacing with different functional heads. This universality maintains procedural readiness across multiple applications while dramatically reducing the total quantity of optical fibres that need to be prepared, stored, and managed in advance.
Data Source
AI summary
An optical fibre having a functionalised distal exploration end including a sheath, and a ferrule rigidly connected to the sheath at the distal exploration end, characterised in that the distal exploration end has a functionalised head which is removably attached on the ferrule. Also, a method of assembling the optical fibre.