Endoscope Bending Section Layout for Larger Working Channels
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing endoscopes face challenges in achieving a balance between a small insertion cord diameter for better navigation and a large working channel lumen, which is essential for accommodating tools and accessories, particularly in single-use endoscopes.
Innovation Solution
The endoscope design includes displaced steering wire lumens relative to the center plane, allowing for a larger working channel lumen by maintaining sufficient wall thickness, and optionally using a non-circular cross-section to accommodate tools with nominal diameters above the standard, while being made from polymer materials for cost-effectiveness and ease of manufacturing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If the insertion cord diameter is reduced to improve navigation, then the working channel lumen area is reduced, limiting tool compatibility
Solution Approach 1:
The steering wire lumens are asymmetrically positioned relative to the center plane of the bending section body, with at least one steering wire lumen displaced from the center plane. This asymmetric arrangement creates uneven distribution of internal space, allowing the working channel lumen to be enlarged on one side while maintaining sufficient wall thickness, thus resolving the contradiction between small insertion cord diameter and large working channel lumen area
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the radial dimension by displacing steering wire lumens from the center plane, effectively redistributing internal space in the cross-sectional area. This dimensional approach allows the working channel lumen to extend closer to the outer wall on one side, increasing its area without increasing the overall insertion cord diameter
2Area of moving object
If the working channel lumen is enlarged to accommodate larger tools, then the insertion cord outer diameter increases, reducing navigation capability
Solution Approach 1:
By asymmetrically positioning steering wire lumens relative to the center plane, the patent creates asymmetric internal space distribution. This allows the working channel lumen to be enlarged without symmetrically increasing the insertion cord outer diameter, as the displacement occurs within the existing cross-sectional boundaries through uneven space allocation
3Strength
If wall thickness is increased to maintain structural integrity, then the working channel lumen area is reduced, limiting tool compatibility
Solution Approach 1:
The asymmetric displacement of steering wire lumens from the center plane creates asymmetric wall thickness distribution. This allows the working channel lumen to have larger area on one side while maintaining sufficient wall thickness in critical areas, resolving the contradiction between structural integrity and tool compatibility
Data Source
AI summary
An endoscope including a handle and an insertion cord having a bending section body, a first steering wire portion, and a second steering wire portion. The bending section body includes segments and hinges keeping together, and formed integrally with, the segments, a center axis and a center plane traversing the center axis, the center plane dividing the bending section into a first bending section side and a second bending section side, and the segments including passages that together form a working channel lumen having a non-circular cross-section. Steering wire lumens are displaced with respect to the center plane towards the first side and configured to accommodate the first and second steering wire portions.