Trocar with Detachable Foldable Lighting Attachment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional trocars lack integrated lighting solutions, leading to inadequate illumination for endoscopes, which limits the effectiveness of 3D video feeds and expands the endoscope head size, making it difficult for surgeons to perform minimally invasive procedures efficiently.
Innovation Solution
A detachable, foldable lighting attachment with expandable light panels powered by an induction coil, which can be magnetically engaged with the endoscope head and trocar, providing adjustable and synchronized lighting across a wider field of view.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If a conventional trocar is used without integrated lighting, then the trocar structure remains simple and mechanical, but the illumination for the endoscope is inadequate and the field of view is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The lighting system is segmented into multiple independent light panels that can be folded or expanded. Each panel contains light sources and can be positioned independently, allowing the lighting function to be added without integrating a complex monolithic lighting structure into the trocar
Solution Approach 2:
The light panels are nested within the trocar body in a folded configuration during insertion, then deployed outward after insertion. The panels are stored inside the trocar's hollow structure and expand outward to provide illumination, maintaining a compact profile during insertion while providing extended lighting capability when in use
2Illumination intensity
If the endoscope head size is increased to provide more lighting surface area, then more light can be provided, but the endoscope cannot pass through the trocar due to size limitations
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of increasing lighting surface area in the axial dimension (which would increase head size), the light panels are deployed in the radial dimension by folding or expanding outward from the trocar body. This provides additional lighting surface area perpendicular to the insertion axis without increasing the endoscope head size that must pass through the trocar
Solution Approach 2:
The lighting structure transitions from a static, fixed configuration to a dynamic, deployable configuration. The light panels can be folded or expanded as needed, allowing the system to provide variable lighting surface area without requiring a permanently larger endoscope head
3Area of stationary object
If a rigid support structure with fixed cameras is used, then the structure is simple and stable, but the field of view cannot be expanded and lighting coverage is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure incorporates movable or expandable elements that allow the field of view area to be increased dynamically. The structure can transition from a compact configuration during insertion to an expanded configuration during use, providing a larger field of view without requiring a permanently complex 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
The solution enhances visibility and field of view during endoscopic procedures, allowing for better diagnostics and faster, cleaner surgeries by providing improved illumination that adapts to different spectral needs and avoids autofluorescence issues.
Implementation Method 1
an induction coil disposed in the main cylindrical body and wrapped around the center opening. Each of the at least two expandable light panels may have at least one light emitting diode (LED) light source and the induction coil may provide current to the at least two expandable light panels
Implementation Method 2
Each of the at least two expandable light panels may have at least one light emitting diode (LED) light source
Data Source
AI summary
A trocar is provided that is adapted to insert a lighting attachment into a body cavity. The trocar connects at its distal end to the lighting attachment such that it can be pushed into the body cavity. An endoscope may then be inserted through the trocar into the body cavity. The lighting attachment is configured to detach from the trocar and attach to the endoscope head to provide additional lighting to the endoscope. The lighting attachment includes foldable lighting panels that expand when in use in order to light a wider field of view. The lighting attachment may be powered by induction coil from the endoscope.