Biopsy Cap Locking Mechanism for Endoscope Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current endoscope assemblies and biopsy caps face challenges in providing effective sealing and secure access for medical devices, leading to leakage of bodily fluids and air, and difficulties in accommodating various device sizes without active clinician intervention.
Innovation Solution
Designs for endoscope assemblies and biopsy caps featuring a cap with a base, outer shell, locking member, and multi-layer inner seal member with flaps or sealing fingers to secure medical devices, providing a passive seal and strain relief, and incorporating securing members like tabs and locking mechanisms to ensure device positioning and access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a simple cap design is used, then ease of manufacture is improved, but sealing effectiveness deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The seal member is divided into multiple sealing surfaces (first sealing surface, second sealing surface, third sealing surface) that can independently contact different portions of the port. This segmentation allows each surface to contribute to sealing effectiveness while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure that is easy to manufacture.
Solution Approach 2:
The seal member is disposed within the cap structure, nested inside the port opening. The seal member includes nested sealing surfaces that extend into the port, creating a multi-layer sealing arrangement within the cap assembly that improves sealing without significantly complicating the external appearance or manufacturing process.
2Reliability
If a secure locking mechanism is added, then device positioning reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking member is integrated with the cap structure, merging the locking function into the existing cap assembly rather than adding a separate complex locking mechanism. The locking member includes a locking surface that engages with the medical device while remaining part of the cap's overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking member is designed to automatically engage and secure the medical device in place through its own structural features without requiring additional active components or complex control mechanisms. The locking surface and engagement features work together to secure the device passively.
3Reliability
If multiple sealing surfaces are implemented, then sealing effectiveness is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Different portions of the seal member have different sealing surface configurations tailored to their specific locations and functions. The first, second, and third sealing surfaces are positioned at different locations within the port to address specific sealing needs at each position, optimizing sealing effectiveness without requiring uniform complexity throughout the entire structure.
Data Source
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, a locking member coupled to the outer shell, an inner seal member, and a central opening that extends to the channel. The inner seal member may include a plurality of flaps.