Configurable Endoscope Bending Section With Adjustable Pull-Wire Anchoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing endoscopes lack flexibility in bending configurations, necessitating a need for improved articulation and adjustable bending sections to accommodate various medical procedures and anatomical locations.
Innovation Solution
A configurable bending section for endoscopes is provided, utilizing a pull wire system with adjustable anchoring points and load transmission tubes to allow for varying bending lengths, radii, and directions, enhancing flexibility and stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a traditional rigid endoscope structure is used, then manufacturing precision and structural stability are improved, but flexibility and adaptability for different anatomical locations deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The endoscope is divided into multiple rigid segments (first segment, second segment, third segment) connected by flexible joints. This segmentation allows each segment to maintain structural stability while the joints provide bending flexibility, enabling the endoscope to adapt to different anatomical locations without compromising overall structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The endoscope incorporates dynamic bending capabilities through pull wires that can be selectively activated to articulate the bending section. This dynamic mechanism allows the structure to transition between rigid and flexible states, providing both structural stability during insertion and adaptability during positioning in different anatomical regions.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a complex articulation mechanism is implemented, then bending flexibility and adaptability are improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The complex articulation mechanism is extracted and simplified by using a pull wire system that directly acts on the bending section without requiring complex motors or actuators. The pull wires can be selectively engaged to achieve the desired bending configuration, reducing device complexity while maintaining flexibility and adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The pull wire mechanism serves multiple functions: it provides bending articulation, maintains structural support, and enables repositioning in different anatomical locations. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate mechanisms, thereby reducing overall device complexity while achieving the desired flexibility.
3Ease of operation
If a single-use disposable endoscope is used, then ease of operation and infection control are improved, but manufacturing precision and reusability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The endoscope is designed as a single-use disposable device, eliminating the need for complex sterilization and reusability mechanisms. This approach improves ease of operation by removing maintenance requirements and enhances infection control, while the simplified design actually improves manufacturing precision by reducing the complexity that would be needed for reusable versions.
Data Source
AI summary
An articulating flexible endoscope is provided. The endoscope comprises: a bending section connected to a distal tip portion at a first end, and connected to a shaft portion at a second end; a pull wire coupled to the distal tip portion at a first location and is configured for articulating the bending section; and a first tube for accommodating the pull wire. A distal end of the first tube is coupled to a second location on the bending section or on the shaft portion, a proximal end of the first tube is coupled to a proximal portion of the articulating flexible endoscope. An effective bending section of the articulating flexible endoscope is adjusted by varying i) a length between the first location and the second location or ii) the second location.