Stereo Endoscope Optical Alignment During Sterilization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional stereo endoscope systems with a larger eye base face misalignment issues during sterilization and mechanical stress, which affects the accuracy of three-dimensional visualization, and they are not adaptable to varying endoscope diameters and directions of view.
Innovation Solution
The system employs two identical optical systems with permanently affixed corresponding components, including rod lenses separated by air gaps, aligned in a common tube, and a separate stereo video camera with a prism block that adjusts focus and magnification to maintain alignment and adaptability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a two optical path system with larger eye base is used, then stereoscopic visualization is improved, but misalignment occurs during sterilization and mechanical stress
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the two separate optical paths into a single integrated endoscope body structure. The two objective lenses, relay lens systems, and oculars are combined within one rigid endoscope shaft, ensuring they move and expand/contract together as a unified structure during sterilization and use, eliminating relative misalignment between the two optical paths
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary alignment of the two optical paths during manufacturing with high precision, and then permanently fixes this alignment through rigid structural integration. The alignment is established before the device enters service, preventing subsequent misalignment during sterilization and mechanical stress
2Measurement precision
If conventional stereo endoscope systems are used, then three-dimensional information is provided, but adaptability to varying endoscope diameters and directions of view is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs a universal endoscope system where a single endoscope body with two optical paths can serve multiple surgical applications. The system can be configured with different objective lens combinations to achieve varying fields of view (0 degrees, 30 degrees, 45 degrees) while maintaining the same basic structure, making it adaptable to different surgical needs without requiring separate specialized instruments
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables dynamic adjustment of the endoscope's directional view through articulation mechanisms that allow the distal tip to bend and orient in different directions (up to 180 degrees). This dynamic capability allows the same endoscope to adapt its viewing direction during procedures while maintaining stable optical alignment through the rigid integrated structure
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 configuration ensures that the optical components remain aligned and focused during sterilization and use, providing a stable and adaptable stereo endoscope system with a larger eye base for improved depth perception across varying endoscope dimensions.
Implementation Method 1
Rigid endoscopes include an inner tube containing an optical system which relays an image of the cavity from the distal tip of the endoscope back to the proximal end of the endoscope
Implementation Method 2
The fibers guide externally created light into die internal cavity
Implementation Method 3
a separate stereo video camera with a prism block that adjusts focus and magnification
Data Source
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AI summary
Disclosed is a stereo endoscope system comprising stereo endoscopes of varying working lengths, working diameters and directions of view. Each stereo endoscope comprises two identical optical systems where every pair of corresponding components is permanently couple in a sideways orientation. The system is capable of withstanding harsh conditions associated with medical equipment cleaning and sterilization, particularly, the high temperatures and pressures associated with autoclaving. Each of the corresponding components of the two identical optical systems is paired and moved relative to each other to adjust focus and then affixed to create a new singular optical component. The system includes a prism block that extends the distance between the optical axes on the stereo endoscope to the position of two video chips.