Colonoscope Support Vest with Catch Plate Hook
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Solution Overview
Problem
The repetitive use of heavy colonoscopes in medical procedures leads to user discomfort, muscle strain, and potential disabilities due to the weight and handling requirements, affecting efficiency and accuracy in colonoscopy treatments.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a vertically aligned support surface, such as a vest with a catch plate featuring an elongate formable body and a hook feature, is used to distribute the weight of the colonoscope or other heavy devices via a connected cable, allowing for ergonomic support and reduced strain on the user's arm, wrist, and shoulder.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the colonoscope is held manually during repeated procedures, then the procedure can be performed with direct control, but the user experiences muscle strain, joint stiffness, and potential disabilities due to the heavy weight (3-5 pounds) and repetitive handling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a support device as an intermediary between the user and the colonoscope. This device includes a support surface (such as a vest or belt) and a support element (cradle, hook, or clamp) that physically supports the weight of the colonoscope, allowing the user to perform procedures without directly bearing the full weight, thereby reducing muscle strain and joint stress
Solution Approach 2:
The support device functions by providing a counterbalancing support structure that opposes the gravitational force acting on the colonoscope. The support element is positioned to bear the weight of the device, creating a counterweight effect that eliminates the need for the user's arm and hand muscles to continuously support the heavy instrument
2Productivity
If multiple colonoscopies are performed in rapid succession without rest time, then treatment efficiency is improved, but the cumulative weight burden causes inadvertent pain, weakness, and reduced functionality in the user's hand, arm, and shoulder
Solution Approach 1:
The support device serves as a mediator that enables sustained high-productivity work by transferring the weight burden from the user's body to an external support structure. This allows users to perform multiple procedures in rapid succession without accumulating strain, as the support element continuously bears the device weight throughout the procedure sequence
Solution Approach 2:
The support device is designed to be self-supporting, with the support surface and support element forming a stable structure that maintains the colonoscope in a supported position without requiring active user effort. The device automatically provides relief during repeated procedures, allowing the user to focus on operational tasks rather than weight management
3Ease of operation
If the colonoscope is supported by a vest or body-worn device, then ergonomic support is improved and strain is reduced, but the device complexity and setup requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The support device is designed with universal applicability, where the support surface can be configured in multiple forms (vest, belt, or other body-worn structures) and the support element can accommodate different colonoscope configurations. This multi-functional design allows the same basic principle to serve various ergonomic needs without requiring completely different systems for each application
Solution Approach 2:
The support system is divided into distinct functional components: a support surface element that interfaces with the user's body and a support element (cradle, hook, or clamp) that interfaces with the colonoscope. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and facilitates easy adjustment and adaptation to different users and procedure requirements
Data Source
AI summary
A catch plate is provided for supporting the weight of a tool by a connected cable. The catch plate includes an elongate formable body with a through opening at one end for attaching the plate to a vertical surface, and a hook feature formed in the elongate body at the end opposite the through opening, the hook feature disposed at an angle away from the plane of the elongate body and formable around the connected cable.