Biopsy Cap Helical Brush Sealing Endoscope Fluid Leakage

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing endoscope assemblies and biopsy caps have limitations in design, material, and manufacturing methods, leading to a need for alternative solutions that improve functionality and efficiency.

Innovation Solution

The proposed solution involves a biopsy cap design that includes a base with a securing member, an outer shell defining an interior volume, a disk shutter section with helically arranged fins, and a brush section with helically arranged brushes, along with optional features like a locking member, hydrophilic foam section, and specific adaptations for fluid control.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a biopsy cap is secured to an endoscopic instrument port, then fluid sealing and leakage prevention are improved, but device complexity increases due to multiple components (base, outer shell, disk shutter section, brush section)

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefluid sealing capabilityVSAvoidnumber of components

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The biopsy cap is divided into multiple functional segments: a base component for mounting, an outer shell defining the interior volume, a disk shutter section with fins for sealing, and a brush section with bristles for additional sealing. Each segment performs a specific sealing function, and they can be manufactured separately then assembled, improving overall reliability while allowing modular manufacturing

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The disk shutter section and brush section are nested within the interior volume defined by the outer shell. The fins of the disk shutter section and the bristles of the brush section are arranged concentrically, with the brush section positioned adjacent to the disk shutter section. This nested arrangement maximizes sealing effectiveness within the constrained space of the biopsy cap

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Ease of operation

If the disk shutter section includes fins that bend away from the central aperture, then ease of operation is improved by allowing elongate member passage, but reliability decreases when fins are not engaged to block fluid flow

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelongate member passageVSAvoidfluid flow blocking

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The fins of the disk shutter section are designed to be flexible rather than rigid. They can bend away from the central aperture to accommodate the passage of elongate members through the biopsy cap. When no elongate member is present, the fins return to their engaged position to block fluid flow. This dynamic behavior allows the same structure to serve both operational and sealing functions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The fins are positioned in advance to block the central aperture before any elongate member is inserted. This preliminary blocking position prevents fluid flow through the biopsy cap. When an elongate member needs to pass through, the fins are temporarily displaced, but they automatically return to the blocking position afterward, preventing fluid leakage

Inventive Principle:

Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

3Reliability

If the brush section includes brushes arranged in a helical fashion, then sealing capability is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesealing capabilityVSAvoidhelical arrangement accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The brushes in the brush section are arranged in a helical pattern around the central aperture rather than in straight radial lines. This helical (curved) arrangement provides better sealing capability by conforming to the circular geometry of the aperture and distributing contact pressure more evenly. The helical pattern can be manufactured using rotational molding or injection molding techniques that naturally produce curved geometries

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

4Reliability

If multiple sealing sections (disk shutter and brush) are included, then fluid leakage is reduced, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefluid leakage preventionVSAvoidnumber of sealing sections

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The disk shutter section with its fins and the brush section with its bristles are combined within the same biopsy cap assembly. Both sections work together to provide redundant sealing: the fins provide a first line of defense against fluid leakage, while the bristles provide a second line of defense. This merging of multiple sealing mechanisms in one integrated device maximizes leakage prevention without requiring separate components

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS20250160624A1Biopsy cap for use with endoscope

Publication Date: 2025.05.22 BOSTON SCI MEDICAL DEVICE LTD

AI summary

Endoscope assemblies, biopsy caps, and methods for making and using the same. An example endoscope assembly may include an endoscope having a channel formed therein and a port that provides access to the channel. A cap may be coupled to the port. The cap may include a base having a securing member for securing the cap to the port, an outer shell and a brush section disposed within the interior volume adjacent the disk shutter section, the brush section including a plurality of brushes arranged in a helical fashion.