Ultrasonic Endoscope Balloon Fixing via Circular Groove
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ultrasonic endoscope systems face issues with balloon detachment during insertion and withdrawal, particularly in bronchus endoscopes, due to uneven force distribution and compromised fluid-tightness caused by rectangular-shaped grooves and protrusions.
Innovation Solution
An ultrasonic endoscope system with a balloon design featuring a two-layer structure and a fixing mechanism that includes standing wall portions, groove portions, and a locking mechanism to securely attach the balloon to the distal end part body, ensuring even force distribution and preventing detachment, while allowing for easy expansion with an ultrasonic wave transmission medium.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a rectangular-shaped groove and engaging protrusion are used to fix the balloon, then the balloon can be attached to the distal end part body, but force is not applied evenly and the balloon may detach during insertion and pull-out
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the rectangular groove shape to a circular groove shape. This curvature modification allows the engaging protrusion to be positioned at the center of the circular groove, enabling uniform force distribution in all directions during insertion and pull-out operations, thereby preventing balloon detachment while maintaining secure attachment.
2Reliability
If the balloon is made to be securely fixed to prevent detachment, then reliability improves, but the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The fixing mechanism is segmented into distinct functional components: a circular groove formed in the distal end part body and a corresponding engaging protrusion on the balloon. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently while working together to achieve secure fixation, simplifying the overall structure compared to multi-component locking mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the groove and engaging protrusion into a simple integrated fixing mechanism where the circular groove and protrusion work together as a unified system. This merging eliminates the need for separate locking components, complex assembly steps, or additional fixation elements, achieving reliable balloon attachment with minimal structural 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
The system effectively prevents balloon detachment and maintains fluid-tightness, allowing for stable operation and improved imaging quality by ensuring the balloon remains securely attached during insertion and withdrawal.
Implementation Method 1
an ultrasonic wave transmission medium is injected into the balloon to expand the balloon
Implementation Method 2
at least the fixing portion is in close contact with and fixed to the standing wall portions by contractile force of the fixing portion
Data Source
AI summary
An ultrasonic endoscope system has an ultrasonic endoscope including an ultrasound transducer provided in a distal end part body, and a balloon for an ultrasonic endoscope that covers an outside surface of the ultrasound transducer, the balloon for an ultrasonic endoscope has an opening portion that is provided at one end in a first direction corresponding to a longitudinal direction of an insertion part and that is attached to the distal end part body, and includes a swelling portion that stores an ultrasonic wave transmission medium inside to be swellable, and a fixing portion that is in close contact with and fixed to the distal end part body, the distal end part body includes standing wall portions on both sides of the ultrasound transducer in a direction perpendicular to the first direction, and at least the fixing portion is in close contact with and fixed to the standing wall portion by contractile force of the fixing portion.