Bullet-Shaped Distal Tip Geometry for Narrow Lumen Navigation

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Duodenoscopes face challenges in navigating small body lumens, particularly in pediatric subjects or those with strictures, due to their conventional distal tips being too large and blunt, which can lead to difficulty in advancement and potential perforation.

Innovation Solution

The development of distal tips with a smaller diameter, a more pointed shape, and a bullet-like design with a gradual taper, featuring a curved distal end and a flexible removable cap made of dissolvable or digestible material, which facilitates smoother navigation through narrow anatomies.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of moving object

If a conventional distal tip with larger diameter and blunt shape is used, then structural strength and stability are improved, but navigation through small body lumens becomes difficult and risk of perforation increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedistal tip sizeVSAvoidnavigation through body lumen

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The distal tip geometry is modified by changing key parameters: diameter is reduced, and the shape transitions from blunt to more pointed with a specific curvature radius (0.5-2.0 mm). This parameter optimization enables the distal tip to navigate small body lumens and strictures while maintaining adequate structural strength for medical procedures

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of operation

If the distal tip is made sharper and smaller, then ease of navigation through narrow anatomies is improved, but structural strength and resistance to damage may deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadvancement through strictureVSAvoiddistal tip strength

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The distal tip employs local quality optimization by creating a gradient structure: the distal-most portion has a smaller radius of curvature (0.5-2.0 mm) for easy navigation, while the proximal portion maintains larger dimensions and strength. This localized differentiation allows the tip to be sharp where needed while preserving overall structural integrity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The distal tip utilizes controlled curvature with a specified radius (0.5-2.0 mm) to achieve a balance between sharpness for navigation and rounded geometry for safety. This optimized curvature enables the tip to conform to narrow anatomical passages while distributing stress to prevent perforation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the distal tip geometry is modified to be more pointed, then ability to navigate small lumens is improved, but manufacturing complexity may increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccommodation of small anatomiesVSAvoiddistal tip fabrication

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The manufacturing process is optimized by defining specific parameter ranges for the distal tip geometry (diameter, length, and radius of curvature between 0.5-2.0 mm). These quantified parameters provide clear manufacturing specifications that balance the need for sharp, adaptable tips with the practical constraints of fabrication processes

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS20250352039A1Distal tips for medical devices

Publication Date: 2025.11.20 BOSTON SCIENTIFIC SCIMED INC

AI summary

A distal tip of a medical device may comprise a proximal portion a distal portion. Each of a first side surface, a second side surface, a top surface, and a bottom surface may extend along the proximal portion and the distal portion and join together at a distalmost end of the distal tip. A curved shape of the distal portion may be sharper than a hemisphere.