Sealed Endoscope Handle With LED And Gas-Permeable Membrane
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Endoscopes face issues with liquid exposure damaging sensitive electronic components due to frequent cleaning and use, and traditional light sources are inefficient and tethered externally, limiting portability and range of motion.
Innovation Solution
A self-contained endoscope handle with a sealed compartment housing an LED light source and power source, featuring a gas-permeable and liquid-impermeable design, allowing for internal light generation without external connections and protecting electronics from liquid intrusion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If traditional incandescent or arc lamps are used as light sources, then sufficient illumination can be achieved, but the devices produce large amounts of heat and require external power sources that tether the endoscope
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the light source, power source, and control electronics into a single integrated unit within the endoscope handle. This merging eliminates the need for external light sources and power supplies, making the endoscope fully portable and untethered while maintaining adequate illumination through efficient LED technology
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from traditional incandescent or arc lamp light sources to LED (light-emitting diode) technology. This parameter change in the light source type provides sufficient illumination while generating minimal heat and enabling integration with battery power, thus resolving the contradiction between illumination requirements and portability
2Reliability
If the endoscope is frequently cleaned with liquid decontaminating agents, then infection control is maintained, but liquid can penetrate breaches in the waterproof sheathing and damage electronic components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the endoscope handle into a sealed compartment that houses the electronic components (light source, power source, electronics) separately from the main body. This compartmentalization creates a protected zone that prevents liquid ingress to sensitive electronics while allowing the exterior to be freely cleaned for infection control
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a sealed compartment as an intermediary barrier between the external environment (where liquid cleaning agents are applied) and the internal electronic components. This sealed compartment acts as a mediator that blocks liquid penetration while permitting gas exchange through a gas-permeable membrane, thus protecting electronics during routine cleaning
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a sealed compartment is used to protect electronics from liquid, then liquid impermeability is achieved, but gas exchange is blocked
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a gas-permeable membrane as the sealing barrier for the compartment. This porous material allows gas molecules to pass through while blocking liquid penetration, thus simultaneously achieving both gas exchange requirements and liquid protection for the electronic components
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 enables a portable, untethered endoscope that withstands multiple uses and cleanings, with protected electronics and efficient light transmission, allowing for routine leak testing to prevent contamination and ensuring device integrity.
Implementation Method 1
a gas-permeable portion such that the sealed compartment is gas-permeable and liquid impermeable
Implementation Method 2
a sealed compartment comprising an light emitting diode (LED)
Data Source
AI summary
Provided herein are water-tight, portable endoscopes that include the light and power source incorporated into a sealed compartment (also referred to herein as sealed canister) within the endoscope handle. The description also features water-tight, endoscope handles that include the light and power source incorporated into a sealed canister within the handle. In some embodiments, the sealed compartment contains all of the electronic components of the endoscope.