Endoscope Cover Removal Tool Projection Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing endoscope systems face challenges in easily and reliably removing disposable covers from the distal structure portion without damaging the elastic member or the distal structure, which is crucial for maintenance and hygiene.
Innovation Solution
An endoscope system that includes a cover removing tool with a projection designed to break the fragile portion of the cover at a position apart from the elastic member, allowing for safe removal without damaging the elastic member or the distal structure, and featuring a tubular elastic member that prevents liquid or gas ingress, ensuring the cover can be easily detached and the system maintained.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the cover is removed by ripping along a groove from the proximal edge portion toward the distal side, then the cover can be detached from the distal structure portion, but the elastic member may be damaged or liquid/gas may ingress during the removal process
Solution Approach 1:
A cover removal tool is introduced as an intermediary device between the operator and the cover. This tool includes a projection that engages with a removal groove on the cover, allowing controlled detachment without direct manual manipulation that could damage the elastic member or allow liquid/gas ingress.
Solution Approach 2:
The cover is designed with a removal groove and the removal tool is designed with a corresponding projection before the removal process begins. This preliminary configuration enables controlled engagement and detachment, ensuring the elastic member remains protected during the removal operation.
2Reliability
If the cover is tightly attached to the distal structure portion to prevent liquid/gas ingress, then sealing performance is improved, but the cover becomes difficult to remove without damaging the distal structure
Solution Approach 1:
The cover is segmented with a removal groove that creates a weak point specifically for detachment purposes. This groove is positioned and designed to allow controlled breaking or separation of the cover from the distal structure portion without affecting the overall sealing integrity during use.
Solution Approach 2:
The cover has different mechanical properties in different regions: the main body maintains strong adhesion to the distal structure portion for sealing, while the region around the removal groove is designed to be separable. The removal tool's projection engages locally at the groove to initiate controlled detachment.
3Productivity
If manual fingers or tools are used to rip the cover off, then removal can be performed, but there is risk of damaging the distal structure portion or elastic member
Solution Approach 1:
The cover removal tool serves as a specialized intermediary device designed specifically for this task. Its projection geometry is matched to the removal groove, enabling efficient force transmission to detach the cover while distributing stresses to avoid damage to the distal structure portion or elastic member.
Solution Approach 2:
The cover design includes an integrated removal groove that enables self-detachment when engaged by the removal tool. The groove geometry is designed to facilitate controlled breaking or separation, allowing the cover to be removed efficiently without requiring complex manual manipulation or risking damage to other components.
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 enables efficient and hygienic removal of the disposable cover, allowing for proper cleaning and sterilization of the endoscope system, reducing the risk of damage to the elastic member and distal structure, and simplifying the removal process.
Implementation Method 1
the elastic member including one end water-tightly connected to a distal side of the pulling member or the pivot base, and the other end water-tightly connected to the distal structure portion
Data Source
AI summary
An endoscope system includes, an insertion section; a distal structure portion provided at a distal end of the insertion section; a pivot base; an elongated pulling member connected to the pivot base; a tubular elastic member configured to cover the pulling member; a cylindrical cover configured to be attached to the distal structure portion, and including an opening portion; a cover removing tool configured to be capable of pushing an edge of the opening portion, in a state in which the cover removing tool is engaged with the cover; and a projection provided on the cover removing tool, the projection being configured to come in contact with the edge of the opening portion at a position apart from a position of the one end of the elastic member.