Rotating Light Device for Optical Scope Illumination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical scope systems face inefficiencies due to misalignment, dirt/debris, and weight increases from external light sources, limiting the scope's rotation and image clarity during medical or industrial procedures.
Innovation Solution
A light device integrated with the camera or detachable from it, using wireless transceivers for power and control signal transmission, allowing the light source to rotate freely with the scope, and featuring multiple LEDs with adjustable spectral content for improved illumination modes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If an external light source is combined with the scope in a separate light source device, then illumination is provided to the scope, but the scope's weight increases and sterilization becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates the light source function from the scope body by using a detachable light source device that connects to the scope only when needed. The scope can be sterilized independently without the light source device, while still receiving illumination when the device is attached to the camera head.
Solution Approach 2:
The camera head serves as an intermediary component that receives the light source device and transmits both light and image information. The light source device connects to the camera head's light port, allowing illumination to reach the scope without permanently attaching weight to the scope itself.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a power source is positioned on the scope to generate image information, then self-contained operation is achieved, but weight and size of the scope increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The power source and light source functions are extracted from the scope body and placed in separate external devices (camera head and light source device). This allows the scope to remain lightweight and sterilizable while still achieving self-contained operation when the external devices are attached to the camera head.
Solution Approach 2:
The camera head serves multiple functions: it acts as the image capture device, the platform for attaching the light source device, and the power distribution hub. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate power sources on the scope while maintaining self-contained operation.
3Reliability
If the scope and camera are locked together in a rigid coupling, then stable connection is achieved, but rotation and panning of the scope are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling between the light source device and camera head is designed to be dynamically rotatable rather than rigidly fixed. The light source device can rotate relative to the camera head, allowing the surgeon to pan and rotate the scope freely during surgery while maintaining a stable electrical and optical connection through the rotatable coupling mechanism.
4Adaptability or versatility
If detachable camera head is used for flexibility, then adaptability is improved, but misalignment and dirt at coupling location reduce optical efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces mechanical alignment-dependent connections with magnetic coupling for the light source device attachment. The magnetic coupling provides self-aligning force that ensures proper optical alignment while allowing easy attachment and detachment. The coupling mechanism includes self-cleaning features that prevent dirt accumulation from degrading optical efficiency over time.
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
Enables efficient, weight-neutral illumination with flexible scope rotation and enhanced image acquisition, reducing the need for external light sources and improving surgical precision.
Implementation Method 1
The transceiver in the camera and the transceiver in the light device may enable electrical power to be supplied wirelessly from the camera to the light device by electromagnetic induction
Implementation Method 2
The light source may include one or more light emitters, such as light emitting diodes (LEDs)
Data Source
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AI summary
A system and method for providing light to an optical scope (102) having a light port (110). A light device connects a camera (106) to an optical scope (102) and supplies light to the scope (102) while allowing for scope (102) rotation. The light device (104) has a proximal end attached to the distal end of the camera (106), a distal end adapted to be attached to and detached from the scope (102), and a light source (304). The light source (304) may be powered by electrical power received from the camera (106). A light cable (108) extends from the light device (104) and has a distal end adapted to be attached to and detached from the light post (110) on the scope (102) to supply light to the scope (102). The distal end of the light device (104) is rotatable with respect to the distal end of the camera (106) such that the light cable (108) is able to rotate about the optical axis of the camera (106).