Endoscope Channel Tube Embedding for Diameter Reduction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Endoscopes face a challenge in reducing the diameter of the insertion portion while maintaining multiple channels, as adding new treatment instrument channels increases the cross-sectional area, affecting insertion properties.

Innovation Solution

The endoscope design incorporates a channel tube with a tapered outer shape and a channel fixing portion with a concave groove at the distal end, allowing partial or full embedding of the channel tube, which reduces the protrusion and maintains a smaller diameter, and includes detachable channel tubes with cap bodies and penetration holes for flexible channel configurations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a new treatment instrument channel is provided in the insertion portion, then the treatment capability is improved, but the cross-sectional area increases and the diameter becomes larger

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetreatment capabilityVSAvoiddiameter of insertion portion

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The channel tube is positioned on the outer peripheral surface of the insertion portion in the radial direction (another dimension) rather than adding channels within the longitudinal cross-section. This allows multiple channels to be accommodated without increasing the insertion portion's diameter, as the channels are arranged circumferentially around the optical axis.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The channel tube is embedded into a recess (concave groove) formed in the distal end portion of the insertion portion. This nesting arrangement allows the channel tube to be integrated into the insertion portion's structure without protruding outward, maintaining a compact profile and avoiding increase in the overall diameter.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Adaptability or versatility

If an externally attached channel tube is used, then the number of channels is increased without increasing cross-sectional area, but the channel tube may protrude and affect insertion properties

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenumber of channelsVSAvoidinsertion property

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

A recess (concave groove) is locally formed in the distal end portion of the insertion portion specifically to accommodate the channel tube. This localized structural modification allows the channel tube to be integrated without affecting the overall external dimensions or insertion properties of the endoscope.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentUS11925313B2Endoscope and endoscope system

Publication Date: 2024.03.12 OLYMPUS CORPORATION(JP)

AI summary

An endoscope includes: an insertion portion configured to be inserted into a subject; and a channel fixing portion disposed on an outer periphery of the insertion portion and configured such that a part or all of a long channel tube is fixed in a state of being embedded in a distal end portion of the insertion portion.