Endoscope Adapter With Elastic Flanges For Secure Device Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current endoscopic instruments face challenges in securely attaching devices to their distal ends, especially after repeated sterilization or repair, due to geometric changes, which affects the fit and stability of externally-mounted adapters, limiting adaptability and causing 'tunnel vision' issues with off-axis optics.
Innovation Solution
A universal adapter system with a distal stop and flanges that accommodate endoscopes of varying diameters and shapes, featuring a non-closed cross-section and elastic securing means to ensure secure attachment without concentric alignment, allowing for enhanced visualization and easy mounting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a conventional adapter with concentric alignment is used to attach devices to endoscopes, then the adapter provides stable attachment, but it causes tunnel vision issues and does not accommodate off-axis optics
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter is designed with an asymmetric structure where the optical axis is deliberately offset from the central axis of the adapter body. This asymmetric configuration allows the endoscope's off-axis optics to align properly with the adapter, eliminating tunnel vision while maintaining stable attachment through the non-concentric design
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple adapters are provided to accommodate different endoscope sizes, then the adaptability is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter incorporates a universal design with an adjustable securing mechanism that can accommodate endoscopes of varying diameters. The elastic securing means can be adjusted to fit different endoscope sizes, allowing a single adapter design to serve multiple endoscope types and sizes, thereby eliminating the need for multiple specialized adapters
3Manufacturing precision
If the adapter uses a rigid structure to maintain precise positioning, then the positioning accuracy is improved, but it cannot accommodate geometric changes in endoscopes after sterilization or repair
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter employs dynamic securing elements, specifically elastic bands or springs, that can adjust their tension and positioning to accommodate variations in endoscope geometry. These dynamic components maintain secure attachment and proper positioning even when the endoscope dimensions change due to sterilization or repair, while still providing sufficient stability for the procedure
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 adapter system provides a secure, adaptable, and easy-to-use solution for attaching devices to endoscopes, maintaining a fixed working length and improving visualization by allowing peripheral viewing, compatible with a wide range of endoscopic instruments without the need for multiple adapters.
Implementation Method 1
a securing means constructed and arranged to provide a force that is sufficient to impede movement of the adapter with respect to the endoscope
Data Source
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AI summary
An improved system for attaching devices to the distal end of endoscopic instruments is described. An attachment adapter comprises a distal stop, such as a complete or partial loop or cylinder, which limits the penetration of an endoscope into the adapter. The adapter has at least one flange protruding proximally along the endoscope. The adapter is secured on the endoscope by a securing means, which compresses the flange or flanges sufficiently to provide a friction fit. The flexibility of the inventive adapter system allows the adapter to work reliably with endoscopes that are used, damaged or repaired. The adapter may further provide a slit or window allowing viewing of the vessel wall by a lens on an endoscope, thereby improving the operator's ability to understand the location of the endoscope during operation. The adapter may carry any of a variety of devices, including devices for closing a surgical incision, or treating or manipulating tissue. Improvements are described in a number of areas to allow more flexible pairing of particular endoscopes or endoscopic instruments with devices to be carried on their exteriors, while maintaining a tightly locked position of the external device on the carrier.