Endoscope Biopsy Cap With Active Sealing Lock
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current endoscope assemblies and biopsy caps face challenges in providing effective sealing and secure attachment for medical devices, leading to leakage of bodily fluids and air, and inefficient device exchange processes.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a cap with a base, outer shell, and inner seal member that can shift between sealed and unsealed configurations, utilizing a locking member and actuator for secure attachment to the endoscope port, along with a compression seal member and helically-oriented sealing gaskets to enhance sealing and device security.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a cap is attached to an endoscope port to secure a medical device, then device attachment security is improved, but fluid and air leakage occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing system is divided into multiple independent sealing elements: an outer seal member that seals against the endoscope port and an inner seal member that seals against the medical device. This segmentation allows each seal to be optimized for its specific interface while working together to prevent leakage.
Solution Approach 2:
The cap structure serves as an intermediary component between the endoscope port and the medical device, providing a coordinated sealing interface. The base of the cap creates a fluid-tight connection to the port while the opening accommodates the device, with both seal members working together to eliminate leakage paths.
2Reliability
If a locking member is used to secure the medical device in the cap, then device attachment security is improved, but device exchange efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking member is designed as a dynamic component that can transition between locked and unlocked states. The actuator enables quick switching between these states, allowing the locking member to engage firmly during device insertion for security, then rapidly disengage during device exchange to improve efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking member is pre-positioned in an unlocked state ready to engage. When a medical device is inserted, the locking member automatically engages to secure the device. For exchange, the actuator is activated to release the lock in advance, enabling quick removal of the device.
3Reliability
If a seal member is used to prevent fluid and air leakage, then sealing effectiveness is improved, but shear stress on the endoscope increases
Solution Approach 1:
The seal members are positioned at specific locations where sealing is most critical: the outer seal member at the interface between the cap and endoscope port, and the inner seal member at the interface between the cap and medical device. This localized sealing approach concentrates the sealing function where needed while minimizing overall stress on the endoscope.
Solution Approach 2:
The seal members are designed as flexible elements that can deform to conform to the mating surfaces. This flexibility allows them to create effective seals while distributing forces more evenly, reducing concentrated shear stress on the endoscope structure.
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
This solution effectively prevents fluid and air leakage, ensures secure attachment of medical devices, and facilitates efficient device exchanges by maintaining a fluid-tight seal and reducing shear stress on the endoscope.
Implementation Method 1
A compression seal member may be disposed within the body portion. The compression seal member may be configured to shift between a sealed configuration and an unsealed configuration.
Implementation Method 2
The seal may include a helically-oriented sealing gasket.
Data Source
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 and an outer shell. A locking member may be coupled to the outer shell. An inner seal member may be disposed within the outer shell. One or more openings may extend through the cap and into the channel. An actuator may be coupled to the base for shifting the inner seal member between an unsealed configuration and a sealed configuration.