Tethered Capsule Imaging System with Rotating Lens
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current imaging technologies for examining internal cavities of the gastrointestinal tract, such as endoscopes, require sedation due to their large size and lack control over the imaging direction, leading to incomplete views and potential trauma, while wireless capsules suffer from poor image resolution and lack of directional control.
Innovation Solution
An imaging system with a tethered capsule containing an optically-transparent dome-shaped shell and tension cords that allow the optical lens to rotate and change orientation within the shell, enabling controlled, high-resolution imaging without sedation and providing a wide field of view.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional endoscopes are used to examine internal cavities, then imaging capability is provided, but device size is large and requires sedation
Solution Approach 1:
The endoscope is divided into separate functional modules: a flexible insertion sheath for navigation, a rigid distal tip for imaging, and a control mechanism for directional adjustment. This segmentation allows the device to be thinner while maintaining imaging capabilities through the rigid distal tip that can be independently positioned.
Solution Approach 2:
The distal tip of the endoscope is made dynamically adjustable through a control mechanism that allows the physician to rotate and position the imaging component in various directions. This dynamic positioning capability enables the thin endoscope to achieve the viewing angles traditionally requiring larger, more rigid devices.
2Measurement precision
If traditional endoscopes are advanced forcibly, then imaging of internal cavities is achieved, but trauma to bodily cavity lining occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The insertion sheath is designed as a flexible component that can be comfortably advanced through the bodily cavity without requiring forceful insertion. The flexible nature of the sheath allows it to conform to the natural anatomy of the cavity, reducing mechanical trauma to the lining while still providing a protected path for the rigid imaging tip.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the endoscope tip is bent or rotated to change viewing direction, then imaging of different areas is possible, but physical impact and trauma occur
Solution Approach 1:
A control mechanism is integrated into the endoscope that allows the distal tip to be dynamically rotated and positioned in various directions without bending or impacting the cavity lining. The mechanism uses controlled rotation of the rigid tip within a protective sheath, enabling versatile viewing angles while preventing physical contact between the tip and the soft tissue lining.
4Ease of operation
If wireless capsules are used, then sedation is not required, but image resolution is poor and directional control is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The device segments functions between the flexible insertion sheath (for navigation without sedation) and the rigid distal tip with controlled imaging components (for high-resolution imaging). This allows the capsule to remain small and wireless-friendly while the distal tip provides the necessary imaging precision through its rigid, controlled structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The control mechanism allows the distal imaging tip to be dynamically positioned and rotated to various directions, providing the physician with active directional control during the procedure. This dynamic control enables repeated imaging of the same area from different angles, achieving high-resolution views while maintaining the wireless, sedation-free advantage.
5Volume of moving object
If wireless capsules are used, then device size is reduced, but complete spherical views and repeated imaging are not possible
Solution Approach 1:
The device separates the navigation function (flexible insertion sheath) from the imaging function (rigid distal tip with controlled components). This segmentation allows the overall device to remain compact and capsule-sized while the rigid distal tip provides the structural stability needed for high-resolution imaging and controlled directional viewing.
Solution Approach 2:
The control mechanism enables the distal tip to be dynamically rotated and positioned to achieve complete spherical views and repeated imaging of the same area from different angles. This dynamic capability provides imaging versatility comparable to traditional endoscopes while maintaining the reduced size and wireless advantages.
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 safe, high-resolution, and versatile imaging of internal organs without sedation, allowing for complete spherical views and repeated imaging from various angles, surpassing the capabilities of traditional endoscopes and wireless capsules.
Implementation Method 1
the optical lens is rotatable within the dome-shaped shell
Implementation Method 2
first and second tension cords are drawn through the aperture into the volume and respectively attached, at proximal ends of the tension cords, to opposite sides of the holder structure to change an orientation of the optical lens
Implementation Method 3
an optically-transparent dome-shaped shell (which defines a volume within the shell and an aperture at a base of the shell providing access to the volume)
Data Source
AI summary
A tethered imaging camera encapsulated in a shell lens element of such camera enables viewing from inside and imaging of a biological organ in/from a variety of directions. A portion of camera's optical system together with light source(s) and optical detector mutually cooperated by housing structure inside the shell are moveable/re-orientable within the shell to vary a desired view of the object space without interruption of imaging process. A tether carries electrical but not optical signals to and from the camera and controllable traction cords to move the camera, and a hand-control unit and/or electronic circuitry configured to operate the camera and power its movements. Method(s) of using optical, optoelectronic, and optoelectromechanical sub-systems of the camera.