Translatable Cleaning Element for Endoscope Imaging Lens

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for cleaning the exposed surface of imaging elements during surgical procedures, such as endoscopic or laparoscopic surgeries, are either time-consuming, risk infection, or provide inadequate cleaning, leading to increased surgical procedure duration and complications.

Innovation Solution

A cleaning device with a translatable cleaning element, such as a ribbon or belt, that can be deployed and retracted to clean the imaging element while the endoscope remains in the body, using a mechanism that allows the cleaning head to move between deployed and retracted configurations to effectively remove contaminants from the imaging element.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the endoscope is removed from the body to clean the imaging element, then cleaning effectiveness is improved, but surgical procedure time increases and infection risk increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecleaning effectivenessVSAvoidsurgical procedure time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

A cleaning device with a cleaning element (such as a belt or ribbon) is introduced as an intermediary tool that can clean the imaging element while the endoscope remains in the body. The cleaning element is fed through the extension portion and can be actuated to contact and clean the imaging element surface without removing the endoscope from the surgical site.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The cleaning system allows the endoscope to clean itself through the integrated cleaning element that can be deployed from the extension portion. The cleaning element contacts the imaging element and can be actuated to perform cleaning actions, enabling the system to service itself without external intervention or removal.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Reliability

If the endoscope is removed from the body to clean the imaging element, then cleaning effectiveness is improved, but infection risk increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecleaning effectivenessVSAvoidinfection risk

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The cleaning element serves as an intermediary that performs cleaning functions without requiring removal of the endoscope from the sterile field. This maintains the sterile barrier and prevents exposure to external contaminants that would occur during removal and reinsertion.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The self-cleaning capability allows the imaging element to be cleaned in-situ without breaking sterility. The cleaning element is introduced through the extension portion and performs cleaning actions while the endoscope remains sealed and connected to the sterile surgical field.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Ease of operation

If a cleaning element is introduced through the extension portion, then cleaning can be performed in-situ, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvein-situ cleaning capabilityVSAvoidcleaning device structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The extension portion is designed to serve multiple functions: it provides the rigid structural support needed for imaging element positioning, and simultaneously serves as a conduit for feeding and actuating the cleaning element. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated cleaning mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The cleaning element is nested within or fed through the existing extension portion structure. The cleaning element can be contained within the extension portion when not in use and deployed when needed, utilizing the existing structural space rather than requiring separate external mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

4Reliability

If the cleaning element is translatable along the extension portion, then cleaning effectiveness is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecleaning effectivenessVSAvoidcleaning element mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The translation and actuation of the cleaning element can be achieved through simple mechanical means such as feeding mechanisms, guides, and actuators that move the cleaning element along the extension portion. These mechanical systems replace more complex automated or robotic cleaning mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS20230248233A1Methods, devices and systems for cleaning an imaging element with a translatable cleaning element

Publication Date: 2023.08.10 CLEARCAM INC

AI summary

A device operable to clean an imaging element of a visualization scope comprises a visualization scope engagement body, a cleaning element having a first end portion thereof located adjacent to a distal end of the visualization scope engagement body and a cleaning head attached to the visualization scope engagement body at the distal end thereof. The first end portion of the cleaning element is engaged with the cleaning head. The cleaning head is movable between a deployed configuration relative to the visualization scope engagement body and a retracted configuration relative to the visualization scope engagement body. A centerline longitudinal axis of the visualization scope engagement body extends through the cleaning head when the cleaning head is in the deployed configuration and does not extend through the cleaning head when the cleaning head is in the retracted configuration. The cleaning element is movable for cleaning debris from the imaging element.