Eccentric Endoscope Accessory for Compact Multi-Instrument Laparoscopy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing endoscope accessories for minimally invasive surgery, particularly in laparoscopy, face challenges in accommodating larger radial extent channels within a given outer diameter, which increases the overall diameter of the endoscope and sleeve, necessitating larger incisions and cannulae, and limiting the number of instruments that can be inserted through a single incision.
Innovation Solution
An accessory that positions the laparoscope eccentrically within a sleeve, allowing for a larger radial extent conduit on one side, reducing the overall diameter of the accessory and enabling the insertion of larger instruments or multiple conduits while maintaining a compact size, which can be produced through injection molding or extrusion for cost-effectiveness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If channels are made with larger radial extent to accommodate larger instruments, then the ability to insert larger instruments is improved, but the overall diameter of the sleeve increases, requiring larger incisions and cannulae
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by positioning the laparoscope eccentrically (off-center) within the sleeve rather than centrally. This creates an asymmetric distribution of space where one side of the sleeve has a larger radial extent to accommodate larger instruments or multiple conduits, while the opposite side has reduced radial extent to minimize the overall outer diameter of the sleeve assembly
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the radial dimension strategically by creating varying radial extents at different angular positions around the sleeve. Instead of uniformly distributing space in all radial directions, the design concentrates available space in specific radial zones to accommodate instruments of different sizes, effectively using dimensional optimization to resolve the contradiction
2Quantity of substance
If multiple channels are provided around the circumference, then the number of instruments that can be inserted is improved, but the radial thickness of each channel must be reduced, limiting the size of instruments that can pass through
Solution Approach 1:
The asymmetric, eccentric positioning allows channels to have non-uniform characteristics - some channels can have larger radial extent to accommodate larger instruments, while other channels with smaller radial extent can still function for smaller instruments. This asymmetric distribution enables both multiple channels and varied instrument sizes to coexist
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the sleeve are designed with different local qualities - specific angular zones have larger radial extent optimized for larger instruments, while other zones have smaller radial extent. This local differentiation allows the sleeve to accommodate diverse instrument sizes across multiple channels simultaneously
Data Source
AI summary
An accessory for partially enclosing a shaft of an endoscope is disclosed. The accessory defines a first space for accommodating the shaft and a second space for defining a conduit along the shaft. An outer surface of the accessory around the first and second spaces is centered on a first longitudinal axis, and the first space is centered on a second longitudinal axis spaced relative to the first longitudinal axis. The first space is open to one side, so that the accessory only partially encloses the shaft when placed around it.