Silane Coated Optical Fiber for Endoscope Sterilization
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Optical fiber articles used in medical devices like endoscopes face challenges with corrosion resistance, longevity, and biocompatibility, especially during steam sterilization, and current coatings contain harmful materials such as acrylates and photoinitiators.
Innovation Solution
An optical fiber article with a functional layer comprising a specific silane compound that provides enhanced corrosion resistance, mechanical stability, and biocompatibility, characterized by a unique IR spectrum and absence of harmful photopolymerizable substances, ensuring improved adhesion and reduced toxicity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If polymerizable coating compositions containing acrylates, methacrylates, and photoinitiators are used to protect optical fibers, then the coating provides protective functionality, but the materials become harmful to health and reduce biocompatibility
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes harmful photopolymerizable substances (acrylates, methacrylates, photoinitiators) from the coating composition while retaining the protective functionality through alternative silane-based materials that do not require UV curing and do not pose health risks
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the chemical composition parameters from polymerizable compounds to silane compounds with specific functional groups (amino, carboxyl, hydroxyl), transforming the coating mechanism from UV-cured polymerization to moisture-cured silane crosslinking, thereby eliminating harmful effects while maintaining protection
2Reliability
If optical fibers are used in medical devices requiring steam sterilization, then the devices can be sterilized, but the optical fibers suffer from corrosion and reduced service life
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a composite coating system combining silane compounds with specific functional groups that provide both corrosion resistance and sterilization compatibility, creating a multi-functional protective layer that withstands steam sterilization while preserving fiber integrity and extending service life
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 optical fiber article exhibits improved corrosion resistance, extended service life, and enhanced biocompatibility, reducing the risk of health hazards and maintaining performance under sterilization conditions.
Implementation Method 1
one, two or three of the groups R1, R2 or R3 is linked directly or indirectly to the surface via a covalent bond
Implementation Method 2
R1, R2 and R3 are independently selected from hydrogen, oxygen, alkyl, hydroxyalkyl and hydroxyl
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
The present invention relates to an optical fiber article and a method for manufacturing the optical fiber article. The present invention relates in particular to the use of the optical fiber article in a fiber bundle as light sources and/or image guides, for example in an endoscope.