Endoscope Cap Thread-Pulley Clip Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing endoscope caps are bulky due to their large volume, restricting their range of application in positioning tissue clips within hollow organs.
Innovation Solution
The endoscope cap features a front groove on its outer circumference for receiving a tissue clip, with a thread that is fixed at one end and movable at the other, allowing the clip to be pushed in and pulled out using a block-and-tackle mechanism, enabling a compact design while maintaining sufficient displacing force.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a traditional expanding sleeve mechanism is used for holding and withdrawing tissue clips, then the endoscope cap can perform clip positioning functions, but the volume and size of the endoscope cap become large
Solution Approach 1:
The endoscope cap is divided into functional zones: a compression element with teeth for clip engagement, a groove for thread guidance, and an expanding sleeve for actuation. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function with minimal space, resolving the contradiction between functionality and compact size.
Solution Approach 2:
The tissue clip is nested within the endoscope cap during insertion, with the clip positioned in a groove on the outer circumference. The thread passes through the cap structure, and the expanding sleeve is positioned within the cap assembly. This nesting arrangement maximizes space utilization and reduces the overall volume of the endoscope cap while maintaining all necessary functions.
2Volume of moving object
If a compact endoscope cap design is implemented, then the volume is reduced and applicability is expanded, but the displacing force for clip removal may be insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The traditional direct mechanical pushing mechanism is replaced with a thread-pulley system. The thread passes through the endoscope cap and is pulled from the proximal end, creating a mechanical advantage that amplifies the pulling force. This substitution allows a compact cap design to generate sufficient displacing force for clip removal without requiring a large-volume actuation mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The endoscope cap incorporates an expanding sleeve that can dynamically change its volume and shape during actuation. When the thread is pulled, the expanding sleeve expands radially to engage and withdraw the tissue clip. This dynamic expansion allows the cap to generate high displacing forces during clip removal while maintaining a compact size during insertion and positioning.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the endoscope cap includes all necessary functions (lighting, optical system, rinsing, clip holding), then the functionality is comprehensive, but the diameter and range of application are restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The endoscope cap integrates multiple functions into a single compact assembly: lighting, optical system, rinsing, and tissue clip holding/withdrawing. The compression element with teeth serves both as a structural component and a clip engagement mechanism. The groove structure serves dual purposes for clip positioning and thread guidance. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, thereby minimizing the endoscope diameter while maintaining comprehensive functionality.
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 design allows for a highly flexible and space-efficient holding and withdrawing mechanism, enabling precise positioning and removal of tissue clips with reduced operational force, thus expanding the applicability of the endoscope.
Implementation Method 1
a thread which is fixed at one end at the endoscope or at the endoscope cap and is movably guided along the endoscope at the other end so that when pushing the tissue clip into the groove the thread can be entrained by the same. If subsequently the thread is pulled, it tends to shrink inside the front groove, wherein the tissue clip is pushed out of the groove again by the thread.
Data Source
AI summary
The present application relates to a medical gripping device (1) with a flexible shaft (2) with a front end (13) and a rear end (14) and a web (5) comprising at least one web element, wherein the web (4) is attached to the front end (3) of the shaft (2). The medical gripping device additionally has at least two branches (5, 6) which are hinged on the web (4), and at least two at least partly flexible control mechanisms (7, 151, 155, 8, 152, 156) which are at least partly arranged in the shaft (2), wherein each individual branch (5, 6) can be moved individually with respect to the web (4) by means of its individual control mechanism (7, 151, 155, 8, 152, 156). Furthermore, the medical gripping device has a grip (150) at the rear end (14) of the flexible shaft (2), by mans of which grip the medical gripping device (1) can be held and actuated.