Endoscope Bending Section Nested Displacement for Narrow Cavity Access

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Solution Overview

Problem

The external dimensions of conventional endoscopes limit the depth of insertion and versatility, particularly the minimum bending radius of the controllable bending section, making it difficult to access narrow spaces within body cavities during medical procedures.

Innovation Solution

The endoscope design features an insertion tube with a displaceable controllable bending section that can move relative to the insertion tube part, allowing a narrower cross-sectional dimension and increased flexibility, enabling the bending section to be advanced beyond the insertion tube's diameter and bend to a smaller radius without compromising control, facilitated by a releasable locking mechanism and Bowden cables.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If the insertion tube has a larger diameter to maintain structural integrity, then the bending section can support larger forces, but the minimum bending radius increases and the depth of insertion is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebending section support capacityVSAvoiddepth of insertion

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The bending section is divided into multiple articulated segments that can bend relative to each other, allowing the distal end to reach deeper locations while the proximal part maintains structural strength. The insertion tube is also segmented with a proximal rigid part and a distal flexible part.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The bending section with smaller outer diameter is disposed inside the insertion tube with larger outer diameter, creating a nested configuration where the flexible distal bending section can extend beyond the rigid proximal insertion tube to achieve deeper insertion while maintaining overall structural integrity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Length of moving object

If the insertion tube has a smaller diameter to enable deeper insertion, then the bending radius can be reduced, but the structural integrity and force transmission capability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedepth of insertionVSAvoidstructural integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

Length of moving objectVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The insertion tube is segmented into a proximal rigid part with larger diameter for structural integrity and a distal flexible part with smaller diameter for deep insertion capability. The bending section is also segmented into multiple articulated parts that can bend independently.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different parts of the insertion tube have different mechanical properties: the proximal part is rigid with larger diameter for strength, while the distal part is flexible with smaller diameter for maneuverability. The bending section uses articulated segments with hinges to provide localized flexibility only where needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Strength

If the bending section has a larger outer diameter to maintain structural strength, then it can support larger bending forces, but the minimum bending radius increases reducing versatility

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebending force supportVSAvoidminimum bending radius

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The bending section is divided into multiple articulated segments connected by hinges, allowing each segment to be smaller in diameter while collectively providing the necessary bending strength through the articulated structure. This enables tighter bending radii while maintaining force support capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The bending section transitions from a rigid structure to a dynamically articulated structure that can adapt its configuration. The hinges allow the bending section to change its shape and bending radius dynamically, providing both strength and versatility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

4Adaptability or versatility

If the bending section has a smaller outer diameter to reduce bending radius, then versatility and access to narrow spaces improve, but the bending force support capability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccess to narrow spacesVSAvoidbending force support

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The bending section is segmented into multiple small-diameter articulated parts that can collectively support bending forces through their articulated configuration, enabling access to narrow spaces while maintaining adequate force support capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The articulated bending section provides localized flexibility at each hinge joint, allowing the distal end to access narrow spaces with tight bending radii while the overall structure maintains sufficient bending force support through the distributed hinge mechanism.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentUS11690502B2Endoscope

Publication Date: 2023.07.04 AMBU AS

AI summary

An endoscope (1) including a handle (2) arranged at a proximal end and an insertion tube (3) extending from said handle (2) towards a distal end, a bending section (7) arranged at the distal end and controllable by and operator via control input means (8) arranged at the handle (2); and at least one insertion tube part with at least one lumen, wherein the bending section (7) is displaceable in said lumen so as to be movable relative to the insertion tube (3) from a retracted position within said lumen to an extended position at least partially outside said lumen.