Biological Navigation Device Inflatable Cells Colonoscopy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current colonoscopes face challenges such as high cost, complexity, and patient discomfort due to their design, which makes them difficult to navigate through the colon's tortuous anatomy, often requiring anesthesia and extensive cleaning, and they lack effective steering mechanisms to minimize colon wall stress.
Innovation Solution
A biological navigation device with inflatable cells and a reciprocating section that allows sequential expansion and contraction, enabling low-stiffness, low-drag navigation and steering through the colon, made from materials like injection-molded plastics for cost-effectiveness and ease of use, with a steerable tip that can move independently of the main device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional colonoscope design with rigid articulating sections is used, then navigation capability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The colonoscope is divided into multiple articulating sections, each capable of independent rotation. This segmentation allows the distal tip to be steered independently from the proximal body, enabling navigation through tortuous colonic anatomy without requiring complex control mechanisms throughout the entire device length.
Solution Approach 2:
The articulating sections are nested within the colonoscope shaft, with each section containing rotational joints and cables that are integrated into the overall structure. This nesting allows the complex articulation mechanism to be compactly arranged within the limited space of the colonoscope diameter.
2Ease of operation
If traditional colonoscope design with multiple cables and articulating sections is used, then steering capability is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The steering system is segmented into multiple independent cable assemblies, each controlling rotation of a specific articulating section. This modular cable arrangement simplifies manufacturing compared to integrated mechanisms, as each cable assembly can be produced and tested independently before final assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The complex mechanical articulation system is replaced with a cable-pulley mechanism that uses tensile cables to rotate link sections. This substitution simplifies the mechanical design by eliminating the need for motors, gears, or other complex actuation mechanisms at the distal tip, reducing manufacturing complexity and cost.
3Strength
If rigid link bodies with pivot pins are used for articulation, then structural strength is improved, but reliability decreases due to pin failure
Solution Approach 1:
The vulnerable pivot pins are extracted from the articulating sections and replaced with pinless rotational joints. This extraction eliminates the failure mode associated with pin dislodgement while maintaining the structural integrity and rotational capability of the articulating sections through alternative joint designs.
Solution Approach 2:
The articulating sections are designed as disposable components that can be replaced rather than repaired. This approach improves reliability by eliminating the risk of pin failure and complex repairs, as each section is pre-assembled with high-reliability pinless joints and can be quickly replaced if needed.
4Duration of action of stationary object
If high-strength metal elements are used for articulating sections, then durability is improved, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The articulating sections utilize composite construction combining high-strength materials with appropriate structural designs. This allows the sections to achieve the necessary durability and strength without requiring expensive solid metal construction throughout, reducing material costs while maintaining performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The link bodies are designed with optimized wall thicknesses and structural geometries that provide sufficient strength without requiring thick metal walls. This thin-walled structural design reduces material usage and manufacturing cost while maintaining the structural integrity needed for withstanding insertion forces.
5Reliability
If conventional colonoscope insertion method is used, then procedural completeness is improved, but patient discomfort increases requiring anesthesia
Solution Approach 1:
The colonoscope incorporates dynamic articulation capabilities that allow real-time adjustment of the distal tip orientation during insertion. This dynamic steering enables the scope to follow the natural curvature of the colon, reducing the need for forceful advancement and minimizing patient discomfort without compromising procedural completeness.
Solution Approach 2:
The device allows modification of insertion parameters including articulation angles, insertion speed, and steering forces. By optimizing these parameters during the procedure, the system can achieve complete colon visualization while maintaining patient comfort at acceptable levels, potentially reducing or eliminating the need for anesthesia.
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 device reduces the need for anesthesia, simplifies navigation through the colon, minimizes colon wall stress, and eliminates the need for extensive cleaning, while being cost-effective and easier to manufacture, thus improving patient comfort and procedure efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
A biological navigation device with inflatable cells and a reciprocating section that allows sequential expansion and contraction
Data Source
AI summary
Biological navigation devices and methods are disclosed. The devices can be used as or to support colonoscopies or endoscopes. The devices can have longitudinally extensible cells that can be selectively inflated. The devices can have articulable links. The devices can be removably attached to elongated elements, such as colonoscopes or other endoscopes.