Endoscope Channel With Transformable Lumen for Instrument Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing endoscopes face challenges with large treatment instrument channels that compromise the stability and operability of treatment instruments due to their large inner diameters, leading to instability and swaying during procedures, especially when multiple instruments are used.
Innovation Solution
Incorporation of a transformable member, such as an elastic tube, within the channel that can change shape through a transformation unit operated by the endoscope's operation section, allowing for adjustable cross-sectional area to stabilize the treatment instrument's position and maintain high suction efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the inner diameter of the treatment instrument channel is set large to enable efficient suctioning and accommodate multiple treatment instruments, then the suction efficiency and instrument compatibility are improved, but the stability and operability of the treatment instrument deteriorate due to swaying and instability
Solution Approach 1:
The channel includes a transformable member (elastic tube) that can dynamically change its cross-sectional area. When a treatment instrument is inserted, the elastic tube transforms to reduce the channel's inner diameter, providing stable positioning for the instrument tip while maintaining the ability to accommodate multiple instruments and ensure efficient suctioning when needed
2Adaptability or versatility
If the inner diameter of the treatment instrument channel is set large to accommodate multiple treatment instruments, then the versatility is improved, but the precision of treatment operation deteriorates due to instrument swaying
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic tube transforms dynamically upon instrument insertion to reduce the channel diameter, thereby stabilizing the instrument position and improving treatment precision. The system maintains multi-instrument capability by allowing the elastic tube to adapt its transformation to different instrument sizes
3Reliability
If a transformable member is added to the channel to stabilize the treatment instrument, then the instrument stability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The transformable member is implemented as an elastic tube, a flexible component that utilizes material elasticity to achieve diameter transformation. This approach provides instrument stability through a relatively simple flexible structure rather than complex mechanical mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic tube changes its physical parameter (inner diameter) in response to instrument insertion. This parameter change approach allows the channel to adapt its geometry dynamically, providing stability when needed while maintaining simplicity in the overall device 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
The solution ensures stable positioning of treatment instruments while maintaining high suction efficiency, even during severe bleeding, and enhances overall operability by allowing for precise guidance and reduced channel diameter when needed.
Implementation Method 1
a transformable member (elastic tube) that changes shape when force is applied thereto
Data Source
AI summary
An insertion device comprises an insertion section, the insertion section including a distal portion, an operation section located on a proximal end side of the insertion section, a channel located in the insertion section and communicating with the distal portion, the channel including a transformable member on a distal end side of the channel, and a transformation unit, wherein a shape of the transformable member is changeable by operation of the operation section.