Curved Y-Connector Channel for Smoother Endoscope Instrument Insertion

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing endoscopes with Y-connectors require significant bending force due to the angled straight channels, causing resistance and discomfort during surgical instrument insertion.

Innovation Solution

The endoscope design incorporates curved channels within the Y-connector, specifically the first and third channels, which reduce resistance by increasing the bending lever and decreasing the landing angle, allowing for a smoother instrument insertion.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If straight channels are used in the Y-connector, then the structure is simple, but significant bending force is required causing resistance during instrument insertion

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinstrument insertion smoothnessVSAvoidbending force required

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies curvature to the channel design by making the first channel and/or third joined channel curved rather than straight. This curvature increases the bending lever and decreases the landing angle, allowing the surgical instrument to be inserted with reduced bending force and resistance, directly resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and force requirement

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the geometric parameters of the channels by introducing curvature with specific radii. The first channel has a first radius of curvature and the third joined channel has a third radius of curvature, which are optimized to reduce the bending force required during instrument insertion while maintaining structural integrity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of operation

If curved channels are used in the Y-connector, then instrument insertion resistance is reduced, but the manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinstrument insertion smoothnessVSAvoidchannel curvature fabrication

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent specifies particular radius of curvature parameters for the channels (first radius for the first channel, third radius for the third joined channel) that balance the need for smooth instrument insertion with manufacturability. These parameter optimizations ensure the curved channels can be fabricated using standard manufacturing techniques while achieving the desired reduction in insertion resistance

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS12465199B2Endoscope comprising a Y-connector having a curved instrument insertion channel

Publication Date: 2025.11.11 AMBU AS

AI summary

An endoscope including a handle and an insertion cord. The handle includes a Y-connector having: a first branch/socket having a first opening from which a first channel extends; a second branch/socket having a second opening from which a second channel extends; and a third branch/socket having a third opening, wherein the first channel and the second channel join each other in a third joined channel and the third joined channel extends inside the third branch or socket towards the third opening. The first channel and the third joined channel form together an instrument insertion channel of the Y-connector. The first channel is a curved channel having a curvature at least in sections inside the first branch or socket and/or the third joined channel is a curved channel having a curvature at least in sections inside the third branch or socket.