Tethered Optical Imaging Probe with Rotating Mirror
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current tethered optical imaging devices are costly due to complex components, particularly the rotary junction, which includes a motor and optics, and face issues with mechanical complexity and optical efficiency, making them unsuitable for low-cost, disposable solutions.
Innovation Solution
A tethered optical imaging probe with a motor and reflective surface enclosed in a swallowable capsule, where the rotational speed is actively controlled by feedback signals, using a low-cost, disposable motor and optical waveguide, eliminating the need for a rotating sheath and reducing component costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a rotary junction with motor and optics is used, then imaging function is achieved, but device complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the motor from the rotary junction and places it inside the swallowable capsule. This separates the rotation-generating component from the complex rotary junction structure, simplifying the overall device architecture while maintaining the imaging function through a different mechanical arrangement.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of rotating the entire optical assembly within a rotary junction, the patent inverts the approach by rotating only a reflective surface (mirror) inside the capsule while keeping the optical waveguide stationary. This reversal of what component rotates significantly reduces mechanical complexity.
2Reliability
If a rotary junction with rotating optics is used, then imaging is enabled, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a disposable swallowable capsule containing simple, low-cost components including a small motor and reflective surface. This eliminates the need for expensive, reusable rotary junction assemblies, making the device economically viable for single-use medical procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the complex mechanical rotary junction system with a simpler capsule-based system using a small motor and reflective surface. This mechanical substitution dramatically reduces manufacturing costs while achieving the same imaging capability through optical reflection principles.
3Illumination intensity
If a sheath with rotating optical fiber is used, then light transmission is achieved, but mechanical complexity and friction increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the rotation function from the optical waveguide itself and transfers it to a separate reflective surface driven by a motor. This eliminates the need for the optical waveguide to rotate within a sheath, removing the associated mechanical complexity and friction problems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical rotation of the optical fiber within a sheath with an optical solution: a stationary waveguide combined with a motor-driven reflective surface. This substitution eliminates friction between rotating components while maintaining light transmission capability.
4Reliability
If optical fiber rotates within sheath, then imaging is maintained, but optical properties change due to bending
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical rotation of the optical waveguide with a stationary waveguide configuration. The reflective surface rotates instead, directing light from the stationary waveguide onto the tissue sample. This eliminates optical property changes caused by waveguide bending during rotation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a reflective surface as an intermediary component between the stationary optical waveguide and the tissue sample. This mediator allows the optical path to be dynamically directed without physically moving or bending the waveguide itself, maintaining consistent optical transmission efficiency.
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 provides a cost-effective, high-precision imaging system capable of producing cross-sectional morphological data with improved mechanical and optical efficiency, allowing for disposable and flexible imaging probes that can be easily integrated into medical diagnosis systems.
Implementation Method 1
The optical waveguide is arranged to receive source light at a distal end of the optical waveguide and project the source light from a proximal end of the optical waveguide onto the reflective surface
Implementation Method 2
receive reflected light from the reflective surface at the proximal end of the optical waveguide and transmit the reflected light to the distal end of the optical waveguide
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
Systems and methods for a tethered optical imaging probe configured to be integrated into an optical system for medical diagnosis are provided. In one configuration, the present disclosure provides a tethered optical imaging probe including a motor arranged within swallowable capsule. A rotational speed of the motor is actively controlled by a feedback signal.