Endoscope Coupling Member for Precise Angular Assembly

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing endoscopes, particularly duodenoscopes, face challenges in intuitive handling due to non-forward camera orientation, complex assembly processes, and high costs, which are exacerbated by the need for disposable endoscopes, making it difficult to maintain precise angular orientation and efficient assembly.

Innovation Solution

A coupling member with a threaded design and surface features engages the helical member of the insertion tube, allowing precise angular positioning and secure attachment to the handle, facilitated by a display unit for verification, and a hoop for additional stability, enabling efficient assembly.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the camera and exit port are positioned perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the insertion tube, then the endoscope can access the duodenum from the stomach, but the handling becomes non-intuitive and precise angular orientation is difficult to maintain

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccess capability to duodenumVSAvoidhandling intuitiveness

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent incorporates a camera system that provides visual feedback to the operator, allowing real-time monitoring of the insertion tube's angular orientation and position within the duodenum. This feedback mechanism enables the operator to adjust the bending section to maintain precise angular alignment despite the non-forward camera orientation, thereby improving handling intuitiveness while preserving the specialized access capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Reliability

If multiple mouth rings and linkage members are used to secure the insertion tube to the handle, then the connection is secure, but the assembly process becomes complex and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection securityVSAvoidassembly efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the coupling system into distinct modular components: a coupling member with external threading, a helical member within the insertion tube, and corresponding engagement features in the handle. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured independently and assembled through simple threaded engagement, reducing assembly complexity while maintaining secure connection through the distributed mouth ring and linkage member structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The coupling member is pre-formed with external threading that matches the internal threading of the helical member during assembly. This preliminary preparation of the threading features enables rapid engagement of the insertion tube to the handle without requiring complex multi-step securing procedures, thereby improving assembly efficiency while ensuring reliable connection through the pre-configured threaded interface.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Adaptability or versatility

If the insertion tube is made flexible with helical winding, then it can adapt to tortuous passages, but maintaining precise angular orientation during assembly becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflexibility to follow tortuous pathVSAvoidangular orientation precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces purely mechanical alignment methods with a hybrid approach combining mechanical threading engagement and visual optical feedback from the camera system. The threaded coupling provides mechanical constraint for angular orientation, while the camera system provides optical verification, allowing the flexible insertion tube to maintain precise angular alignment despite its helical winding and flexibility required for tortuous passages.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 low-cost, efficient assembly with precise angular alignment, enhancing operational intuitiveness and reducing material costs, suitable for disposable endoscopes.

Implementation Method 1

said first sector is provided with a thread adapted to engage the inside of a wound helical member of an insertion tube

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThreading engagement: Screw

Implementation Method 2

said second sector comprises surface features distributed along the circumference and adapted to engage rotation preventing features within the endoscope handle

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical engagement: Mechanical Fastener

Data Source

PatentEP4138628B1An endoscope and a method for assembling an endoscope

Publication Date: 2025.12.24 AMBU AS

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AI summary

An endoscope comprising a coupling member (19) for coupling an insertion tube of the endoscope to an endoscope handle. The coupling member comprises a proximal end (21) and a distal end (22) and a passage (20) between an opening in said proximal end (21) and an opening at said distal end (22). The coupling member (19) comprises surface features (24) distributed along the circumference and adapted to engage rotation preventing features within an endoscope handle. The coupling member is used in a method for assembling the endscope.