Endoscope Biopsy Cap Locking and Fluid Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current endoscope assemblies and biopsy caps lack design and material alternatives that effectively secure medical devices, control fluid leakage, and facilitate easy device exchange while maintaining a seal, leading to inefficiencies and potential biohazards during medical procedures.
Innovation Solution
The development of endoscope biopsy caps with a secure outer shell, locking members, and inner seal members that include fluid control regions and chamfered apertures to guide medical devices, providing a secure and fluid-tight seal while allowing easy access and device exchange.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a locking device is provided to secure a medical device within the cap, then device security is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking member is nested within the cap structure, with the locking arm extending from the cap body to engage with the medical device. The locking features are integrated into the cap's outer shell, creating a compact nested arrangement that provides secure locking without significantly increasing overall device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism is segmented into distinct functional components: a locking arm that extends from the cap, locking features positioned at specific locations within the cap, and a biasing element that provides automatic engagement force. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently while maintaining modularity
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a seal member is provided to prevent fluid leakage, then fluid control is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A seal member is provided within the cap structure that forms a flexible barrier to prevent fluid leakage. The seal member can be made from elastomeric or flexible polymer materials that conform to the cap's internal geometry and create effective sealing surfaces without requiring complex mechanical sealing systems
Solution Approach 2:
The seal member is merged with the cap structure, where the sealing function is integrated into the cap's overall design rather than being a separate附加 component. The seal member works in conjunction with the locking mechanism and fluid control region to provide multiple functions within a unified structure
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a fluid control region is defined within the shell, then fluid management is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A fluid control region is defined within the shell by creating a three-dimensional chamber or cavity space. This volumetric region allows for collection, containment, or controlled management of fluids within the cap structure, utilizing the third dimension (vertical space within the shell) rather than requiring additional lateral components
Solution Approach 2:
The fluid control region acts as an intermediary chamber between the external environment and the endoscope channel. It provides a controlled transition zone that manages fluid flow, prevents direct leakage paths, and allows for controlled interaction between fluids and the medical device while maintaining system integrity
4Manufacturing precision
If chamfered apertures are provided to guide medical devices, then device placement precision is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
Chamfered apertures are formed during the cap manufacturing process, with the chamfer geometry pre-established in the molding or fabrication step. This preliminary formation of the angled aperture edges guides medical devices during insertion without requiring additional post-manufacturing operations or assembly steps
Solution Approach 2:
The aperture geometry is modified by introducing a chamfer angle parameter. This geometric parameter change creates a tapered transition at the aperture opening that naturally guides and aligns medical devices during insertion, improving placement precision through a simple geometric modification rather than complex positioning mechanisms
Data Source
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AI summary
Endoscope assemblies, biopsy caps, and methods for making and using the same. An example endoscope assembly may include an endoscope having a channel formed therein and a port that provides access to the channel. A cap may be coupled to the port. The cap may include a base having a securing member for securing the cap to the port. The cap may also include an outer shell, a locking member coupled to the outer shell, an inner seal member disposed within the outer shell, and one or more openings extending through the cap and into the channel. A fluid control region may be defined within the outer shell.