Center-Split Biopsy Cap Housing for Stable Endoscope Port Locking

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing biopsy cap housings and caps for endoscopes suffer from component breakage, increased procedural complexity, and prolonged procedure times due to axial and rotational movement during medical instrument exchange, leading to compromised stability and reduced operational longevity.

Innovation Solution

A biopsy cap housing design featuring center-split halves with angled locking members and stabilizing members that interlock to securely attach to the endoscope biopsy port, incorporating features like pivot members, locking hooks, and frictional engagement to stabilize the cap and port connection, reducing separation forces and enhancing stability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If a biopsy cap housing is designed to securely attach to an endoscope biopsy port, then stability is improved, but device complexity increases due to multiple locking members and center-split construction

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveattachment stabilityVSAvoidhousing structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The biopsy cap housing is divided into two center-split halves that can separate and rejoin. This segmentation allows the housing to flex during instrument exchange while maintaining stability when closed, resolving the contradiction between stability and adaptability during procedural movements

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The housing incorporates dynamic elements including flexible locking members that can engage and disengage, and a center-split design that allows controlled separation. This enables the housing to transition between stable attached state and flexible separated state during instrument exchange

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of operation

If locking members are made more resilient to accommodate movement, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability decreases due to increased risk of component breakage

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstrument exchange easeVSAvoidlocking member durability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The locking members are designed with predetermined fracture points or stress-relief geometries that absorb excessive forces before actual breakage occurs. This cushioning effect allows the locking members to be more resilient for ease of operation while maintaining reliability through built-in protection against catastrophic failure

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

3Device complexity

If the housing is designed as a single piece for simplicity, then device complexity is reduced, but stability deteriorates due to axial and rotational movement during instrument exchange

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehousing construction simplicityVSAvoidattachment stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The housing is segmented into center-split halves with interlocking mating surfaces. This segmentation provides rotational stability through the interlocking geometry while allowing axial flexibility during instrument exchange, achieving both stability and ease of operation without requiring a complex multi-component assembly

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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 design provides improved stability and reduced risk of component separation, minimizing fractures and extending the operational lifespan of the biopsy cap housing while ensuring secure attachment and efficient medical instrument exchange.

Implementation Method 1

A first locking member may extend from an inner surface of the first center-split half, the first locking member configured to engage the biopsy port. A second locking member may extend from an inner surface of the second center-split half, the second locking member configured to engage the biopsy port.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical interlocking: Mechanical Fastener

Implementation Method 2

Mating surfaces of the first and second center-split halves may be configured to interlock.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFrictional engagement: Friction

Implementation Method 3

At least one stabilizing member may extend from the inner surface of the first center-split half or the second center-split half, the at least one stabilizing member configured collide with the first locking member or second locking member upon a radial deformation of the first locking member or second locking member.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRadial deformation: Deformation

Data Source

PatentEP4218531B1Devices and systems for a biopsy cap and housing
Publication Date: 2026.02.18 BOSTON SCI MEDICAL DEVICE LTD
  • EP4218531B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4218531B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4218531B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present disclosure relates generally to the field of medical instruments. More particularly, the present disclosure pertains to medical instruments for use with an endoscope, such as a biopsy cap and a biopsy cap housing with improved stability and stress distribution, for example, to securely attach to an endoscope biopsy port.