Dual-Joint Endoscope Control to Reduce Surgical Interference

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing endoscopes with electrically driven bending mechanisms face interference issues due to the bending control portion and holding arm, making them difficult to use and inefficient for observation and treatment.

Innovation Solution

A medical system with an endoscope featuring a first and second joint, actuator for independent or cooperative control modes, and a processor to manage these modes, allowing independent or coordinated bending of the joints.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the bending control portion and holding arm are added to electrically drive the joint, then the fatigue of the surgeon is reduced, but the bending control portion or holding arm may interfere with the operation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesurgeon fatigue reductionVSAvoidinterference with operation

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes the bending control portion and holding arm from the endoscope structure, extracting the interfering components while preserving the electrical bending function through alternative actuation mechanisms that do not occupy space near the tip

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a magnetic field as an intermediary to transmit bending commands from the external controller to the joints, eliminating the need for physical bending control portions and holding arms that would interfere with surgical operations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Extent of automation

If the bending control portion is held by holding arm for the endoscope, then the joint can be electrically driven, but the endoscope becomes difficult to use for inexperienced surgeons

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrical joint drivingVSAvoidusability for inexperienced surgeons

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The endoscope system provides self-service through automated control algorithms that assist inexperienced surgeons by automatically adjusting joint positions and bending configurations based on real-time imaging feedback, reducing the learning curve while maintaining electrical driving capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the control system continuously monitors the endoscope's position and imaging data, automatically adjusting the joint actuation to optimize the viewing angle and reduce operational complexity for inexperienced users

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS12484767B2Medical system, processor comprising hardware, medical system control method

Publication Date: 2025.12.02 OLYMPUS CORPORATION(JP)

AI summary

A medical system includes an endoscope configured to include an insertion portion inserted into a body cavity, a drive device configured to be detachably connected to the endoscope and electrically drive the endoscope, and a controller configured to be communicably connected to the drive device and to which an operation for electrically driving the endoscope is input, in which the insertion portion includes a first joint and a second joint configured to be independently driven and controlled by the drive device based on the operation input to the controller.