Endoscope Accessory Delivery Tool for Damage-Free Scope Fitting
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Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge of properly fitting medical devices or components together, such as endoscope accessories, without causing damage due to differences in diameter, length, surface finish, coefficient of friction, shape, geometry, taper, and other material properties, is a significant issue in minimally invasive medical procedures.
Innovation Solution
A delivery assistance tool and system that includes a delivery assistance tool attached to the proximal end of the scope accessory and an introducer tool attached to the distal end, expanding the accessory for easier insertion and alignment, utilizing features like flared collars, elastomeric materials, and heat application to secure the fit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If medical devices or components with different diameters, lengths, surface finishes, coefficients of friction, shapes, geometries, and material properties are fitted together, then the functionality and versatility of the system is improved, but the risk of damage to the components increases due to the complexity of the fitting process
Solution Approach 1:
A delivery tool is introduced as an intermediary device between the scope accessory and the scope. The delivery tool includes a delivery member that can be inserted into the scope accessory and a handling member that can be grasped by the user. This intermediary mechanism facilitates the fitting process by providing controlled transmission of forces and precise positioning, reducing the risk of direct damage between the accessory and scope during attachment.
Solution Approach 2:
The delivery tool is pre-configured with specific geometric features and material properties that are optimized for the fitting process. The delivery member is designed with a geometry that matches the internal structure of the scope accessory, and the handling member is positioned to provide optimal leverage. This preliminary preparation of the delivery tool enables smoother, more controlled attachment while minimizing damaging forces.
2Productivity
If the fitting process is performed manually without assistance tools, then the device complexity is reduced, but the time required for proper attachment increases and manufacturing precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The delivery tool serves as a mediator that translates the user's manual manipulation into precise, controlled movements for the fitting process. The handling member provides a secure grip point that can be manipulated with fine motor skills, while the delivery member transmits these movements to the scope accessory with precision, achieving both speed and accuracy in the attachment process.
Solution Approach 2:
The delivery tool replaces direct manual manipulation with a specialized mechanical system designed for precise fitting. The tool incorporates mechanical features such as tapered sections, flared collars, and coordinated geometries that guide the attachment process, substituting uncontrolled manual forces with engineered mechanical actions that ensure precise alignment and secure fitting.
3Ease of operation
If delivery tools are used to expand the scope accessory for easier insertion, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The delivery tool is segmented into distinct functional components: a delivery member for insertion into the scope accessory, a handling member for user manipulation, and connecting structures that transmit forces between them. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall simplicity. The delivery member can be designed with expansion features, while the handling member provides ergonomic grip, and the connection ensures force transmission without adding excessive complexity.
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
Enables accurate, fast, and convenient attachment of medical devices or components onto scopes, reducing the risk of damage and improving procedural efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
The delivery assistance tool serves to expand the proximal end or opening of the scope accessory, thus enabling an easier insertion process with respect to the scope... expanding the scope accessory temporarily as it is delivered on to a scope and then allowing the scope accessory to contract to a different dimension
Implementation Method 2
utilizing features like flared collars, elastomeric materials, and heat application to secure the fit
Data Source
AI summary
Tools and systems for the delivery of medical devices or components, and more specifically, to tools and systems that assist or facilitate the delivery of one or more medical device or component over, onto, into, or against, another medical device or component are provided. More specifically, delivery tools and systems for the placement of an endoscopic device over, onto, into, or against, another instrument or endoscope are provided.