Chambered Handle Integrating Steering and Fluidic Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
The manufacturing of medical device handles, such as endoscope handles, is hindered by the need for separate support components that increase costs and complexity, particularly in producing disposable devices.
Innovation Solution
A handle design with integrated features and structures that support and segregate components like steering assemblies, fluidic components, and electronic components within a single body portion, reducing the number of parts and assembly steps.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate support components are used within the handle, then components can be housed in a structured manner, but manufacturing costs increase and device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the support structure directly into the handle shell as a unified molded component. The handle shell incorporates internal chambers and features that provide structural support and component housing, eliminating the need for separate support components. This merging of the handle shell and support structure reduces the total number of parts while maintaining the structured housing capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The handle shell is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it provides the external structure, internal support, component housing, and structural framework. By making the handle shell multi-functional, the patent eliminates the need for dedicated separate support components, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining reliability.
2Reliability
If separate support components are used within the handle, then components can be housed in a structured manner, but manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure is merged with the handle shell into a single molded component. This integration reduces the number of parts that need to be manufactured, stored, and assembled, thereby reducing manufacturing costs. The unified structure can be produced using standard molding techniques without requiring additional support component fabrication processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The handle is divided into distinct functional zones within the molded structure, including chambers for steering components, fluidic components, and electronic components. This segmentation is achieved through the molded geometry itself rather than separate components, allowing complex internal structures to be created through molding features rather than assembly operations.
3Reliability
If separate support components are used within the handle, then components can be housed in a structured manner, but assembly complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating the support structure into the handle shell, the number of assembly steps is significantly reduced. Components can be directly installed into chambers formed by the molded handle structure rather than requiring assembly with separate support components. This integration streamlines the assembly process and improves productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The support structure and component housing chambers are pre-formed during the handle shell molding process rather than being assembled later. This preliminary creation of the support structure eliminates subsequent assembly operations and simplifies the overall manufacturing process, improving productivity.
Data Source
AI summary
A handle of an endoscope may comprise a body portion that defines a first chamber having a first feature configured to support at least a first component of a steering assembly, and a second chamber having a second feature configured to support at least one fluidic component or electronic component.