Therapeutic Endoscope Cover with Sensor and Treatment Openings
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current therapeutic endoscopes face challenges in simultaneous observation and treatment due to restricted sight and operating space, as the working axis of the medical device overlaps with the user's visual axis, making it difficult to observe and treat internal structures simultaneously.
Innovation Solution
A therapeutic endoscope design featuring a cover with a funnel shape and an image sensor unit connected to a display, allowing the image sensor unit to capture images which are then displayed to the user, enabling simultaneous observation and treatment without the need to remove the unit from the patient's body, as the medical device can be inserted through a separate opening without blocking the user's view.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the working axis of the medical device overlaps with the user's visual axis, then the device can be inserted into the body cavity, but the user's view is blocked and the operating space is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a fourth dimension (time/sequence) by separating the observation and treatment actions. The image sensor captures images during the procedure, and the user views them on a display device, effectively moving the observation function to a different temporal and spatial dimension, thus resolving the conflict between device insertion and unobstructed view.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary system consisting of the image sensor unit and display device. Instead of direct observation through the endoscope, the image sensor captures the internal structure images and transmits them to the display device, serving as an intermediary that provides the user with an unobstructed view while the medical device operates independently.
2Productivity
If the image sensor unit is removed from the patient's body for treatment, then the medical device can be inserted, but simultaneous observation and treatment cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the observation function (image sensor unit) with the treatment function (medical device) into a single integrated system. The image sensor unit remains in place during treatment, and the medical device is inserted through the cover's opening, allowing both observation and treatment to occur simultaneously without removal or repositioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The cover structure serves multiple functions: it provides a passage for the medical device, maintains the position of the image sensor unit, and allows simultaneous access for both observation and treatment operations. This multi-functional design enables the system to perform both diagnostic and therapeutic functions without operational complexity.
3Productivity
If a cover with multiple openings is used, then simultaneous observation and treatment are enabled, but the device structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The cover is segmented into multiple functional openings: a first opening for the image sensor unit, a second opening for light transmission, and a third opening for the medical device. This segmentation allows each component to access its required space independently, enabling simultaneous observation and treatment while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a therapeutic endoscope. The therapeutic endoscope includes a main body, an image sensor unit connected to the main body, and a cover attached to the main body. The cover includes a first opening adjacent to the image sensor unit, a second opening opposite to the first opening, and a sidewall extending between the first opening and the second opening. The sidewall of the cover includes a third opening connecting the first opening and the second opening. The present disclosure also relates to a cover for a therapeutic endoscope.