Endoscope Accessory Channel Track for One-Handed Positioning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional endoscopes have fixed accessory channels, limiting the physician's ability to independently control and maneuver accessory channels and accessories using only one hand, necessitating simultaneous or varying degrees of coarse and fine movements during procedures.

Innovation Solution

An endoscopic device with a sliding guide and track system, allowing for independent control of accessory channels and accessories through a handle mechanism, including a sliding member, actuator, and roller assembly for precise movements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the physician uses one hand to control accessory channels and accessories independently, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases due to the sliding guide and track mechanism

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveone-handed control capabilityVSAvoidsliding guide and track mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The accessory channel is nested within the sliding guide, which itself moves within the track in the handle. This nested arrangement allows multiple components (accessory channel, sliding guide, track) to be integrated in a compact manner, enabling one-handed operation while containing the complexity within a structured hierarchy of moving parts

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the accessory channel is made movable relative to the outer shaft, then the adaptability is improved, but the stability of the system worsens due to additional moving parts

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveindependent movement capabilityVSAvoidsystem stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The system is segmented into distinct movable components: the accessory channel can move independently within the sliding guide, and the sliding guide can move independently within the track. This segmentation allows each component to be stabilized by its own guide structure, maintaining overall system stability while enabling independent movement of each segment

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Adaptability or versatility

If coarse and fine movement capabilities are provided, then the adaptability is improved, but the device complexity increases due to multiple actuation mechanisms

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecoarse and fine movement capabilityVSAvoidactuation mechanisms

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system provides dynamic movement capabilities where the sliding guide can be actuated to move the accessory channel along the track (coarse movement), and additional actuation mechanisms can provide fine adjustments. The dynamic nature of the sliding guide allows it to accommodate both large-range and precision movements through the same basic mechanical structure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS12588805B2System for telescoping members through an elongate tube

Publication Date: 2026.03.31 COOK MEDICAL TECHNOLOGIES LLC

AI summary

An endoscopic device is provided. The endoscopic device may comprise a distal end and a proximal end. The proximal end may be opposite the distal end. The endoscopic device may further comprise a handle at the proximal end and a tube extending from the handle towards the distal end of the endoscopic device. The endoscopic device may further comprise an accessory channel. The accessory channel may extend through the tube. The endoscopic device may further comprise a slide, the accessory channel extending through the slide, and a curved track disposed adjacent to the proximal end of the endoscopic device. The slide is movable within the curved track to cause movement of the accessory channel within the tube.