Elastic Clamp Capsule Endoscope Retention Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional capsule endoscopes have low lesion detection accuracy due to their short retention time in the body, causing missed detections during examinations.
Innovation Solution
An endoscope apparatus comprising a tether connected to an elastic clamp member and a capsule endoscope, where the elastic clamp member applies a clamping force to the capsule endoscope, allowing controlled release and extended retention time through air pressure, enabling the capsule endoscope to move and take images for a longer duration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If the capsule endoscope is made smaller to reduce subject discomfort, then the subject experiences less discomfort, but the capsule endoscope stays in the esophagus for a very short period of time resulting in few images being taken and low lesion detection accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an elastic clamp member as an intermediary device that temporarily holds the capsule endoscope in the esophagus. The clamp member acts as a mediator between the capsule and the esophageal wall, providing mechanical retention without requiring the capsule itself to be larger or more invasive. This allows the small capsule to remain in position for extended imaging periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The system is divided into separate functional components: the capsule endoscope for imaging, the elastic clamp member for retention, and the release source for controlled release. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently - the capsule remains small for comfort while the clamp provides retention, resolving the contradiction between size and retention time.
2Measurement precision
If the capsule endoscope is retained in the esophagus for a longer period to take more images, then lesion detection accuracy improves, but the capsule endoscope may cause increased subject discomfort or cannot be released timely
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic clamp member transitions from a clamped state to an expanded state through controlled air pressure injection. This dynamic transformation allows the system to adapt - maintaining retention when needed for imaging while enabling timely release to prevent discomfort. The clamp's elasticity provides gradual adjustment rather than abrupt changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses pneumatic pressure through the tether to expand the elastic clamp member and release the capsule endoscope. This non-mechanical release mechanism allows precise control of retention duration without requiring complex mechanical release structures, and can be activated remotely to prevent discomfort if retention becomes problematic.
3Reliability
If the elastic clamp member applies strong clamping force to ensure reliable attachment, then the capsule endoscope remains securely in position, but the clamp member may deform excessively or cause tissue damage
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic modulus and geometric parameters of the clamp member are optimized to provide sufficient clamping force for reliable attachment while remaining within safe tissue stress limits. The elastic properties allow the clamp to deform elastically rather than plastically, ensuring it returns to its original shape after release without causing permanent tissue damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic clamp member is constructed from flexible elastic material that can conform to the esophageal wall geometry. This flexibility distributes the clamping force over a larger area, reducing peak stress on any single point of tissue contact and preventing damage while maintaining secure attachment.
4Productivity
If the tether is made longer to allow the capsule endoscope to move freely in the esophagus, then the capsule can capture more images, but the tether may become tangled or the capsule may detach
Solution Approach 1:
The tether is pre-configured with a spiral structure that gradually unwinds as the capsule moves through the esophagus. This preliminary configuration prevents tangling by controlling the tether's geometry in advance, while still allowing sufficient length for the capsule to reach various imaging positions. The spiral structure acts as a built-in guide that maintains tether organization during capsule movement.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The apparatus ensures reliable attachment and extended retention of the capsule endoscope, improving detection accuracy by preventing premature detachment and allowing for more comprehensive imaging.
Implementation Method 1
the elastic clamp member has an ability to recover from deformation to apply a clamping force to the capsule endoscope
Implementation Method 2
in a released state, the elastic clamp member is expanded by the air pressure from the tether, and the capsule endoscope is released from the elastic clamp cavity
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention discloses an endoscope apparatus and an endoscopic method. The endoscope apparatus includes a release source, a tether connected to the release source, an elastic clamp member and a capsule endoscope. The elastic clamp member includes an elastic clamp cavity being interconnected to an air outlet of the release source through the tether. In a clamped state, at least a portion of the capsule endoscope is within the elastic clamp cavity, wherein the elastic clamp member has a tendency to recover from deformation to apply a clamping force to the capsule endoscope. In a released state, the elastic clamp member is expanded by the air pressure from the tether, and the capsule endoscope is released from the elastic clamp cavity.