Motorized Colonoscope Control for Tip and Tool Maneuvering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Standard colonoscopes face difficulties in maneuvering through torturous anatomy due to friction and slack buildup, requiring manual dexterity and preventing simultaneous control of the colonoscope and other instruments, leading to complications like endoscopic perforation.
Innovation Solution
A control system with motorized drive units and adaptable interfaces that allow remote control of the colonoscope shaft and 'baby tools', enabling switching between motorized and manual modes for enhanced maneuverability and instrument control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual control of colonoscope is used, then operator can control the shaft tip movement, but simultaneous control of other instruments through working channel becomes impossible
Solution Approach 1:
The control system is segmented into independent motorized drive units: a first drive unit controls shaft tip deflection via knobs, a second drive unit controls shaft advancement, and a third drive unit controls baby tool advancement. This segmentation allows independent control of multiple functions simultaneously, resolving the contradiction between shaft control and instrument control.
Solution Approach 2:
The control head is designed with multi-functionality to control both the colonoscope shaft (via first and second drive units) and additional instruments through the working channel (via third drive unit for baby tools). This universal control capability enables simultaneous operation of multiple instruments without requiring separate manual manipulation.
2Device complexity
If standard manual colonoscope is used, then device structure remains simple, but maneuverability through torturous anatomy becomes difficult due to friction and slack buildup
Solution Approach 1:
Manual mechanical control of shaft advancement and tip deflection is replaced with motorized drive units. The first drive unit uses motors to rotate knobs for precise tip control, while the second drive unit uses a motorized mechanism to translate the shaft forward and backward. This substitution eliminates friction and slack issues associated with manual mechanical systems, improving maneuverability through torturous anatomy.
3Ease of operation
If motorized drive units are added to control colonoscope, then maneuverability and instrument control improve, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control system employs a nested structure where multiple drive units are integrated within the control head housing. The first drive unit controls knobs, the second drive unit controls shaft advancement, and the third drive unit controls baby tools, all nested within the compact control head assembly. This nesting approach manages complexity by organizing multiple functional units in a hierarchical, space-efficient manner.
Data Source
AI summary
A control system for a colonoscope having a shaft deflectable via two rotatable knobs is provided. The system includes a first drive unit mounted externally to a housing of the colonoscope. The first drive unit includes a first drive mechanism for engaging the two rotatable knobs or gears replacing the two rotatable knobs. The system further includes a second drive unit attachable to the shaft of the endoscope. The second drive unit is capable of linearly translating the shaft forward and backward. A user interface engageable by a palm of a hand controls the first drive mechanism.