Endoscope Controller with Offset Actuators and Wire Tensioner
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional endoscope control devices are difficult to operate due to awkward positioning of actuators, leading to muscle strain and inefficiency, especially when using auxiliary scopes and therapeutic devices, and they often require alignment with the working channel to tension pull wires, limiting ergonomic use.
Innovation Solution
The development of ergonomic control systems for endoscopes with adjustably positionable controller components and pull wire tensioners that allow for tensioning without line-of-sight between control actuators and the working channel, enabling offset and moveable handpiece components for improved user comfort and responsiveness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If control actuators are positioned for ergonomic accessibility, then ease of operation is improved, but the ability to tension pull wires without line-of-sight alignment is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The controller is divided into separate functional modules: a handle portion with actuators and a handpiece portion with working channel opening. These segments can be independently positioned and oriented, allowing ergonomic actuator placement without being constrained by the working channel alignment requirement. The pull wire tensioner bridges these segments, accommodating misalignment through flexible wire routing.
Solution Approach 2:
A pull wire tensioner acts as an intermediary component between the actuator and the working channel opening. This tensioner device allows the pull wire to transition from the actuator location to the working channel opening without requiring direct line-of-sight alignment, thereby decoupling the ergonomic positioning of actuators from the functional alignment requirement.
2Ease of operation
If multiple control devices are used for main scope, auxiliary scope and therapeutic device, then operational control is improved, but device complexity and user fatigue increase
Solution Approach 1:
The controller integrates multiple control functions into a single unified device. The handle portion contains actuators for controlling the main scope, while the handpiece portion includes coupling features for attaching auxiliary scopes and therapeutic devices. This merging eliminates the need for multiple separate controllers, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining comprehensive control capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller is designed with universal functionality to handle multiple devices. The coupling feature on the handpiece portion enables attachment of various auxiliary scopes and therapeutic devices, allowing a single controller to serve multiple purposes across different endoscopic procedures rather than requiring specialized controllers for each device type.
3Ease of manufacture
If actuators are fixed in position, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but adaptability to different user needs and procedures is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The controller incorporates adjustable components that allow users to modify the position and orientation of actuators according to their personal preferences and procedural requirements. This dynamic adjustability transforms the fixed manufacturing configuration into a flexible, user-adapted setup, enhancing comfort and operational efficiency without significantly complicating the manufacturing process.
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 provides more ergonomic and user-friendly control systems that reduce muscle strain and improve operational efficiency by allowing adjustable positioning of actuators and maintaining pull wire tension without alignment with the working channel, enhancing the usability of endoscope control devices.
Implementation Method 1
a first pull wire tensioner through which the first pull wire extends, wherein the first pull wire tensioner is configured to remove slack from the first pull wire between the first location and the second location
Data Source
AI summary
A controller for an endoscope comprises a handle, a working channel opening connected to the handle at a first location, a control actuator connected to the handle at a second location, a first pull wire extending from the control actuator to the working channel opening within the handle, and a first pull wire tensioner through which the first pull wire extends, wherein the first pull wire tensioner is configured to remove slack from the first pull wire between the first location and the second location.