Endoscope Handle Actuator Layout for Reduced Hand Repositioning
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Medical professionals experience hand strain and discomfort during endoscopic procedures due to frequent contortions and excessive movements required to operate actuators on the endoscope handle, leading to potential injuries like Carpal Tunnel Syndrome and prolonged procedures.
Innovation Solution
The design of ergonomic actuators for endoscope handles that accommodate various finger and hand sizes, featuring offset holes and buttons, and ergonomic positioning to reduce strain and the need for hand repositioning, including features like offset holes and buttons that allow for comfortable grip and reduced finger movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If actuators are positioned on the endoscope handle according to conventional designs, then the device can perform its medical functions, but the medical professional experiences hand strain and discomfort due to frequent contortions and excessive movements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions actuators at specific locations on the handle that are optimized for different hand sizes and grip positions. The actuator placement is not uniform but rather tailored to create ergonomic zones that reduce strain on specific hand areas, allowing medical professionals to operate controls without excessive contortion or discomfort.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent provides multiple actuator configuration options that can be adapted to different users and procedures. The system allows for dynamic adjustment of actuator positions and types based on the specific medical professional's hand dimensions and the procedural requirements, rather than using a fixed conventional layout.
2Device complexity
If actuators are positioned in non-optimized positions, then the device structure is simplified, but the number of hand grip readjustments increases and procedures are prolonged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary optimization of actuator positions during the design phase, considering various hand sizes and grip positions. This pre-optimization ensures that actuators are placed in positions that minimize the need for hand readjustments during actual use, thereby reducing procedure time without adding significant complexity to the device structure.
3Ease of manufacture
If conventional actuator designs are used, then manufacturing is straightforward, but excessive finger movements are required leading to strain and potential injury
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies actuator parameters such as position, size, shape, and type to reduce the number and extent of finger movements required. These parameter changes are implemented in a way that maintains manufacturability, using standard manufacturing processes to create ergonomically optimized actuators that reduce strain and potential injury.
Data Source
AI summary
According to one aspect, a handle assembly for a medical device may comprise a handle body; and an actuator for controlling a supply of air and a supply of liquid to the medical device. The actuator may comprise a button including a hole extending through a top surface of the button, and the hole may be offset from a center of the top surface of the button. The actuator may be configured to: supply air to the medical device when a user covers the hole; and/or supply liquid to the medical device when a user presses the button.