Distal End Feedback Control for Stable Endoscope Positioning

Solution Overview

Problem

Maintaining stability of medical devices during minimally invasive procedures is challenging due to bodily movements, which can lead to inadvertent instrument movement and potential injury to the subject.

Innovation Solution

A medical assembly with a sensor at the distal end of the device measures movement data, and a controller actuates an actuator to articulate the distal end back to the target site using a drive mechanism with motors and pins, providing automated control.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If manual control of the endoscope and instruments is used to maintain stability at the target site, then the position stability can be maintained, but the complexity of operation increases and the user must continuously adjust the device during the procedure

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveposition stabilityVSAvoidease of operation

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses self-service by implementing an automated feedback control mechanism where the distal end of the shaft autonomously maintains its position at the target treatment site. The sensor continuously monitors the position of the distal end, and the controller automatically adjusts the actuators to counteract any displacement caused by respiratory motion, eliminating the need for continuous manual adjustment by the user.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements feedback control by using a sensor at the distal end of the shaft to detect position changes and transmitting this information to the controller. The controller processes the sensor data and automatically actuates the actuators to correct any deviation from the target position, creating a closed-loop control system that maintains stability without requiring continuous manual intervention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Device complexity

If no automated control system is used, then the device complexity remains low, but the position stability cannot be maintained during respiratory motion

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice complexityVSAvoidposition stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements feedback control by using a sensor at the distal end of the shaft to detect position changes and transmitting this information to the controller. The controller processes the sensor data and automatically actuates the actuators to correct any deviation from the target position, creating a closed-loop control system that maintains stability without requiring continuous manual intervention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system replaces manual mechanical control with an automated electromechanical control system. The sensor and controller form an automated control loop that substitutes for continuous manual mechanical adjustment, using electrical signals to actuate the actuators and maintain position stability automatically.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the distal end of the shaft moves away from the target treatment site due to respiratory motion, then the device can accommodate bodily movement, but the treatment precision is compromised and injury risk increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to bodily movementVSAvoidtreatment precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system applies preliminary anti-action by detecting displacement of the distal end from the target position and automatically actuating the actuators to counteract this displacement. The controller receives sensor data indicating movement away from the target site and activates the actuators to move the distal end back to the original position, preventing treatment precision loss and reducing injury risk.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements feedback control by using a sensor at the distal end of the shaft to detect position changes and transmitting this information to the controller. The controller processes the sensor data and automatically actuates the actuators to correct any deviation from the target position, creating a closed-loop control system that maintains stability without requiring continuous manual intervention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS12471914B2Control assemblies for medical devices and related methods of use

Publication Date: 2025.11.18 BOSTON SCI MEDICAL DEVICE LTD

AI summary

A medical assembly that includes a medical device including a handle having an actuator, a shaft extending distally from the handle, and a sensor at a distal end of the shaft. The distal end of the shaft is coupled to the actuator by a wire extending through the shaft, and the sensor is configured to measure data indicative of the distal end of the shaft moving from a first position to a second position. The actuator is configured to articulate the distal end of the shaft based on the data measured by the sensor to move the distal end from the second position to the first position.