Bronchoscope Adapter Elastomeric Locking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current bronchoscope adapters fail to maintain precise positioning of the bronchoscope during electromagnetic navigational bronchoscopy due to patient and operator respiration, leading to displacement of the extended working channel tip from the intended target, necessitating additional personnel to stabilize the bronchoscope, which increases operational complexity and reduces precision.
Innovation Solution
A bronchoscope adapter with a reversibly adjustable inner diameter bronchoscope access port and an elastomeric locking mechanism that allows single-operator control and secure locking of the bronchoscope to the endotracheal tube, maintaining precision and reducing the need for additional personnel.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed inner diameter bronchoscope access port is used in the adapter, then the adapter structure is simple, but it cannot accommodate bronchoscopes of different sizes and cannot maintain precise positioning during respiration
Solution Approach 1:
The bronchoscope access port incorporates a collapsible inner diameter component that can dynamically adjust its size. This component includes a collapsible portion with flexible walls that can be compressed to reduce the inner diameter for securing smaller bronchoscopes, and expanded to accommodate larger bronchoscopes. The dynamic adjustment mechanism allows the adapter to adapt to different bronchoscope sizes without requiring multiple fixed-sized adapters, thereby improving versatility while maintaining relatively simple structure through a single adjustable component design.
2Measurement precision
If additional personnel are added to stabilize the bronchoscope, then positioning precision is improved, but operational complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter incorporates a self-locking mechanism that automatically secures the bronchoscope in place without requiring additional personnel. The collapsible inner diameter component can be compressed by the bronchoscopist's own hand to lock the bronchoscope securely in the desired position. This self-service locking mechanism eliminates the need for extra staff members to manually stabilize the bronchoscope, thereby maintaining high positioning precision while reducing operational complexity and allowing a single operator to perform the procedure independently.
3Reliability
If the bronchoscope is not securely locked, then the adapter structure is simple, but the extended working channel tip displaces from the intended target due to respiration
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism utilizes changes in the physical state of a collapsible component. When the inner diameter component is compressed, its volume decreases and its walls flex inward, creating a tight seal that locks the bronchoscope securely. When expanded, it allows easy insertion and removal. This parameter change-based locking mechanism provides reliable positioning stability to prevent displacement during respiration while keeping the locking mechanism itself relatively simple, avoiding the need for complex mechanical locks or additional stabilization devices.
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 adapter enhances precision in targeting and reduces human error, streamlines the procedure, and decreases operational costs by allowing a single operator to maintain precise control over the bronchoscope and extended working channel, improving diagnostic yields and therapeutic accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
an elastomeric locking mechanism that allows single-operator control and secure locking of the bronchoscope to the endotracheal tube
Data Source
AI summary
Bronchoscope adapters and methods of using the same are provided. Aspects of the adaptors include a body having a passageway, a mechanical ventilator access port, a bronchoscope access port configured to receive a bronchoscope into the passageway, and an exit port. The bronchoscope access port comprises a reversibly adjustable inner diameter component that provides locking of the bronchoscope at desired position. The adaptors find use in a variety of different applications.