Elastic Sleeve Assembly for Colonoscope Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current colon cleaning systems face challenges in effectively coupling colonoscopes with add-on tubes, such as irrigation and evacuation tubes, due to issues with friction, alignment, and stability, which can hinder the maneuverability and efficiency of the colonoscopy procedure.
Innovation Solution
A sleeve assembly is introduced, comprising an inner and outer sleeve that expands to accommodate the colonoscope and add-on tubes, allowing for radial expansion and subsequent collapse to securely attach the tubes to the colonoscope, reducing friction and improving alignment through elastic properties and guide members, while maintaining flexibility for tissue compliance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the colonoscope is coupled with add-on tubes using traditional methods, then the coupling structure is simple, but friction increases and maneuverability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The sleeve assembly employs a nested structure where an inner sleeve is positioned within an outer sleeve. The inner sleeve receives the colonoscope, while the outer sleeve contains add-on tubes, creating a compact integrated coupling that reduces friction and improves maneuverability without excessive complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling device is divided into functional segments: the inner sleeve for colonoscope reception, the outer sleeve for tube containment, and guide members for alignment. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently, reducing overall friction while maintaining manageable complexity.
2Manufacturing precision
If the colonoscope is coupled with add-on tubes using traditional methods, then the device structure is simple, but alignment precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Guide members act as intermediary elements between the inner and outer sleeves, providing precise alignment pathways for the colonoscope and add-on tubes. These guide members ensure accurate positioning without requiring complex external alignment mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The guide members are strategically positioned at specific locations within the sleeve assembly to provide localized alignment assistance where it is most needed, rather than requiring complex alignment mechanisms throughout the entire coupling structure.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the colonoscope is coupled with add-on tubes using traditional methods, then the coupling structure is simple, but stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The nested sleeve structure provides inherent stability through the concentric arrangement of the inner and outer sleeves. The inner sleeve is stabilized by the outer sleeve, while guide members further secure the positioning, creating a stable integrated coupling without requiring additional complex stabilization mechanisms.
4Ease of operation
If the sleeve is made elastic to improve alignment and reduce friction, then maneuverability is improved, but the sleeve may over-expand and damage the colonoscope
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic properties of the sleeve material are carefully selected and controlled to provide sufficient flexibility for alignment and friction reduction while maintaining structural integrity. The material parameters are optimized to prevent over-expansion that could damage the colonoscope.
Solution Approach 2:
The sleeve is constructed as a flexible shell with controlled elasticity, allowing it to conform to the colonoscope and reduce friction during insertion and maneuvering, while the shell's structural design prevents excessive expansion that could compromise the colonoscope's integrity.
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 sleeve assembly enhances the coupling of colonoscopes with add-on tubes, reducing friction and improving maneuverability, ensuring effective irrigation and evacuation, and maintaining stability during procedures, thus improving the overall efficiency and safety of colonoscopy.
Implementation Method 1
at least one of the outer sleeve and the inner sleeve is radially stretched in the expanded state, and sufficiently elastic to drive the collapse to the tight fit over the received length of colonoscope insertion tube
Data Source
AI summary
A sleeve assembly is described for coupling a colonoscope insertion tube to an add-on tube. In some embodiments, the sleeve assembly defines an elongated lumen and comprises an inner sleeve sized to receive an insertion tube of a colonoscope, an outer sleeve encircling the inner sleeve, and one or more add-on tubes positioned between the inner sleeve and the outer sleeve. In some embodiments, at least the inner sleeve is collapsible to fit tightly over a colonoscope insertion tube received within the inner sleeve. In some embodiments, the inner sleeve is coupled to the outer sleeve at one or more locations along the length of the inner sleeve so that collapsing of the inner sleeve brings the outer sleeve radially closer to the inner sleeve, approximating the one or more add-on tubes to a colonoscope insertion tube received within the inner sleeve.