Bronchoscope Port Attachment With Slide Lock and Rotational Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing medical devices lack an efficient and secure attachment mechanism that allows for quick coupling and relative movement between a treatment catheter and a bronchoscope while maintaining stability during medical procedures.
Innovation Solution
An attachment mechanism featuring a tubular body with axial slits and a slide lock that enables flexible tab sections to interlock with a bronchoscope port, allowing for quick coupling and relative rotation while preventing unintended separation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a rigid attachment mechanism is used to secure the medical device to the bronchoscope, then the stability and reliability of the connection is improved, but the ability to allow relative rotation motion between the devices is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment mechanism is divided into a rigid adapter segment for stable connection and a flexible tab section with axial slits that can independently deform to allow rotation. This segmentation allows different parts to fulfill different functions - the rigid portion provides stability while the flexible portion enables rotational movement.
Solution Approach 2:
The attachment mechanism transitions from a static rigid connection to a dynamic system where the flexible tab section can adapt its shape during insertion and rotation. The axial slits enable the tab to deform dynamically, allowing the connection to evolve from insertion mode to rotated operational mode while maintaining reliability.
2Reliability
If a secure interlocking mechanism is implemented to prevent unintended separation, then the reliability of the attachment is improved, but the ease of operation for quick coupling and decoupling is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible tab section is pre-configured with axial slits that enable automatic deformation during the insertion process. The tab radially expands as it enters the receiving port, creating the interlocking connection without requiring additional locking actions. This preliminary preparation of the tab structure allows secure attachment to occur as a natural consequence of the insertion motion itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The attachment mechanism uses the insertion force itself to create the secure connection. As the adapter is pushed into the receiving port, the flexible tab automatically deforms and locks into place without requiring separate locking mechanisms or actions. The system serves itself by converting the coupling motion into the locking action.
3Ease of operation
If the flexible tab section is designed to flex radially outward to accommodate the receiving port, then the ease of insertion is improved, but the structural strength and stability of the attachment is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter structure is segmented into regions of different flexibility - the tab section with axial slits provides flexibility for insertion, while the main body and connection points maintain structural strength. This segmentation allows the weak flexible portion to do its job of accommodation while the strong rigid portions provide the necessary attachment strength.
Solution Approach 2:
Different parts of the adapter have different mechanical properties tailored to their specific functions. The tab section has local flexibility due to the axial slits for easy insertion, while the connection regions maintain local rigidity for strong attachment. This local differentiation of material properties resolves the contradiction between flexibility and strength.
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
Facilitates secure and efficient attachment of medical devices to bronchoscopes, enabling precise maneuvering and reducing the risk of accidental detachment during procedures.
Implementation Method 1
a slide lock positioned over the tubular body configured to slide over the tubular body between a first position that allows flexible tab section to flex radially outward to accommodate the receiving port within the recess
Data Source
AI summary
An attachment mechanism configured to couple to a receiving port of a bronchoscope, the attachment mechanism including an adapter segment having a tubular body having an inner lumen and distal end, where the distal end includes a plurality of axial slits positioned circumferentially around the distal end to define a flexible tab section, where the flexible tab section defined a recess within the inner lumen configured to receive and mechanically interlock with the receiving port of the bronchoscope; and a slide lock positioned over the tubular body configured to slide over the tubular body between a first position that allows flexible tab section to flex radially outward to receive the receiving port within the recess, and a second position where slide lock restrains the radial expansion of flexible tab section.