Swing Prism Endoscope Actuation Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current rigid variable direction of view endoscopes face challenges such as increased complexity and cost due to actuation mechanisms, reduced image quality, ergonomic issues, and disorientation during angle changes, limiting their adoption in surgical procedures.
Innovation Solution
A swing prism endoscope with an axially displaced control element and a magnetically coupled prism adjusting knob that allows for precise rotation of a dove prism, enabling variable viewing angles while maintaining ergonomic design and simplicity, with a handle facilitating single-handed operation and secure preset angles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a traditional actuation mechanism is used to enable variable viewing angles, then viewing direction flexibility is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the complex actuation mechanism from the endoscope body and replaces it with a simple external rotating knob that adjusts the swing prism angle. The internal mechanism is reduced to a passive swing prism mounted on a rotating platform, eliminating the need for complex internal actuators while maintaining variable viewing angle capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical actuation systems with a simplified mechanical adjustment system. The swing prism is mounted on a rotating platform that can be manually positioned using an external knob, substituting complex internal mechanical actuators with a simple external adjustment mechanism.
2Device complexity
If optical channels are reduced to accommodate actuation mechanisms, then device complexity is reduced, but image quality deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the optical path by separating the illumination and imaging functions. The illumination optical channel remains intact for providing light to the surgical site, while the imaging optical channel is positioned to capture images through the swing prism. This segmentation allows both functions to operate independently without compromising image quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a rotational dimension to the optical system by mounting the swing prism on a rotating platform. This allows the imaging optical channel to access different viewing angles (0°, 45°, 90°) without reducing the number or diameter of optical channels, maintaining image quality while enabling variable viewing directions.
3Ease of operation
If a symmetric handle design is used for ergonomic handling, then ease of operation is improved, but control precision for angle adjustment deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces asymmetry in the handle design by adding a protrusion on one side of the symmetric handle body. This asymmetric feature provides a reference point for the surgeon's fingers, enabling precise control of the rotating knob and accurate positioning of the swing prism at specific angles (0°, 45°, 90°) while maintaining overall ergonomic symmetry for comfortable handling.
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 reduces mechanical complexity, maintains high image quality, enhances ergonomic handling, and assists surgeons in maintaining spatial orientation during angle changes, improving the usability and reliability of the endoscope.
Implementation Method 1
a swing prism that rotates about a prism axis and receives an image of the cavity
Data Source
AI summary
A swing prism endoscope with an actuating mechanism that comprises a control element that oscillates in between proximal and distal ends of the endoscope and is coupled to a distally mounted swing prism, a control surface with a variable profile, and an engaging element that contacts the control surface and moves relative to the control surface while contacting the control surface causing the control element to oscillate. The distally mounted swing prism that alters the viewing angle of the endoscope between a forward direction that is substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the endoscope and a side direction that is angled relative to the longitudinal axis of the endoscope.