Deployable Endoscopic Support Device With Multi-Axis Operating Arms
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing endoscopic devices have limited spatial movement of surgical instruments due to their parallel arrangement, restricting their effective positioning and orientation during procedures.
Innovation Solution
An endoscopic support system with a deployable connection ring and operating arms that provide multiple degrees of freedom in rotation and translation, allowing independent orientation and positioning of surgical instruments relative to the endoscope, and enabling remote connection and actuation for enhanced spatial displacement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If surgical instruments are arranged parallel to the endoscope in conventional endoscopic devices, then the device structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the spatial movement of surgical instruments is considerably limited
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into separate functional modules: a connection ring for attaching to the endoscope, multiple operating arms that can be independently positioned, and a positioning device. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall system manageability.
Solution Approach 2:
The operating arms are designed with multiple degrees of freedom, allowing them to move dynamically in space rather than being fixed in parallel positions. The positioning device enables continuous adjustment of arm positions and orientations, transforming the static parallel arrangement into a dynamic, adaptable configuration.
2Ease of operation
If a positioning device with inflatable balloon or extensible basket is used to vary distances between insertion zone and insertion arms, then spatial movements of surgical instruments are improved, but the spatial movements are still quite restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The operating arms are equipped with multiple degrees of freedom including rotation about their longitudinal axes and movement in multiple spatial dimensions. This adds rotational freedom and positional flexibility beyond the simple radial movement provided by inflatable balloons or extensible baskets, enabling instruments to reach positions that were previously inaccessible.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection ring is designed to be deployable from a compact configuration to an expanded configuration that provides the full range of motion for the operating arms. This preliminary deployment action prepares the device for optimal spatial positioning before surgical instruments are inserted and positioned.
3Ease of operation
If the connection ring is deployed from compact to expanded configuration, then the device volume increases providing better instrument positioning, but the device size for insertion becomes larger
Solution Approach 1:
The connection ring and operating arms are designed to nest within each other in a compact configuration for insertion. The ring can be collapsed with arms folded inside, allowing the entire assembly to pass through the endoscope and body passages. Once positioned, the ring deploys outward and the arms extend to provide the full working volume needed for instrument manipulation.
Data Source
AI summary
An endoscopic support device configured to support an endoscope during a surgical procedure is disclosed. The endoscopic support device has a connection ring with a height smaller than its diameter and configured to be in an open or deployed position and in a closed or non-deployed position. The support device also has at least two guiding elements, an orientation component, and extension means for manipulating the ring between the deployed and non-deployed positions.