Endoscope Channel Segmented Guides for Insertion Deformation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing endoscopes face operability issues due to drag generated by guides on the inner wall of the insertion tube, which inhibits deformation and treatment efficiency when inserting accessories like guide wires into narrow ducts, such as the pancreatic duct.

Innovation Solution

The endoscope system incorporates a channel with a plurality of first guides spaced apart at intervals along the longitudinal axis, preventing drag and ensuring the guide wire is accurately positioned and rotated without dropping off, thus maintaining operability during deformation and treatment procedures.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If guides are disposed on the inner wall of the insertion tube to guide the accessory, then the accessory positioning is improved, but drag is generated that inhibits deformation of the insertion portion

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveAccessory positioning precisionVSAvoidInsertion portion deformability

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The continuous guide structure is segmented into multiple discrete guides spaced at specific intervals (e.g., every 10-20 cm) along the insertion tube. This segmentation allows the insertion portion to deform between the discrete guides while maintaining guidance at key positions, resolving the contradiction between positioning precision and deformability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Guides are selectively disposed only at specific locations where guidance is most needed (e.g., at the distal end and at intervals therefrom), rather than continuously along the entire insertion tube. This local placement provides sufficient guidance while minimizing drag and allowing deformation in non-guided sections.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Reliability

If guides are disposed on the inner wall of the insertion tube, then accessory guidance is improved, but operability is inhibited due to drag

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveAccessory guidance reliabilityVSAvoidOverall operability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of providing continuous guidance along the entire length of the insertion tube, guides are provided at partial intervals that are sufficient to ensure reliable accessory guidance and positioning. The spaced arrangement provides just enough guidance to prevent dropping off while minimizing the overall drag effect on operability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

3Manufacturing precision

If the guide wire is to be accurately positioned and rotated without dropping off, then guidance precision is improved, but the structure becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveGuide wire positioning accuracyVSAvoidChannel structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The guidance function is achieved through multiple simple discrete guides spaced along the channel rather than a single complex continuous guidance structure. Each guide is simple in form, but their collective arrangement provides accurate positioning and rotation control for the guide wire.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS20230115360A1Endoscope, accessory, and endoscope system

Publication Date: 2023.04.13 OLYMPUS MEDICAL SYST CORP

AI summary

An endoscope according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes an insertion portion configured to be inserted into a subject. A channel is provided in the insertion portion, the channel receiving an accessory. A plurality of first guides is spaced apart at intervals in the channel, the plurality of first guides configured to guide the accessory along a longitudinal axis of the insertion portion.