Endoscope Distal Portion Radially Deformable Wall Appliance Delivery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing endoscopes face challenges in miniaturizing the distal portion to accommodate various appliances while maintaining a sufficient viewing area and avoiding tissue damage, as previous solutions either require a large deployment zone or increase the insertion tube's thickness, which can be uncomfortable or damaging.
Innovation Solution
An endoscope with a radially deformable wall in the distal portion that expands when an appliance is moved from a retracted to a working position, maintaining a constant insertion tube cross-section and allowing for increased diameter only at the outlet section, along with a sealing member to prevent contamination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If the distal portion is miniaturized to accommodate appliances, then the insertion tube size is reduced, but the viewing area and appliance delivery capability are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The distal portion incorporates a radially deformable wall that can dynamically change its cross-sectional area. When the appliance is in the retracted position, the deformable wall maintains a compact profile for easy insertion. When the appliance is deployed to the working position, the deformable wall expands radially to provide a larger outlet section, thereby resolving the contradiction between miniaturized insertion size and adequate delivery capability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the outlet section is enlarged to pass larger appliances, then appliance delivery is improved, but the insertion tube thickness increases causing discomfort or tissue damage
Solution Approach 1:
The insertion tube is segmented into distinct functional zones: a proximal portion with constant cross-section for insertion, and a distal portion with a radially deformable wall that can expand only at the outlet section. This segmentation allows the tube to maintain a thin profile during insertion while providing a larger outlet section when needed for appliance delivery, thereby eliminating the need to increase overall tube thickness.
Solution Approach 2:
The radially deformable wall provides dynamic adaptability, allowing the outlet section to expand only when and where needed for appliance delivery. The deformable wall transitions from a compact state during insertion to an expanded state during appliance deployment, enabling large appliances to pass through without increasing the insertion tube's overall thickness and thus avoiding tissue damage.
3Adaptability or versatility
If hinge means are used for radial deployment, then appliance delivery is enabled, but control precision and decontamination ease deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of rigid hinge means, the invention employs a radially deformable wall made of flexible material that can be actively controlled to deform in a predetermined manner. This flexible wall provides controlled radial expansion when the appliance is deployed, replacing the random and difficult-to-control hinge mechanism with a precisely controllable flexible structure that maintains operational precision.
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
Enables the delivery of larger appliances while maintaining a compact insertion tube size, reducing the risk of tissue damage and ensuring sterility during use.
Implementation Method 1
the distal portion (7) of the insertion tube (5) includes at least one radially deformable wall (15) over a portion of its length extending from the outlet section (8), thereby enabling the outlet section (8) of the distal portion (7) of the tube (5) to be increased on the appliance (13) passing from its retracted position in which the appliance (13) does not stress the deformable wall (15) to its working position in which the deformable wall (15) is stressed radially
Data Source
AI summary
An endoscope instrument includes an insertion tube of longitudinal axis possessing a proximal portion for connection to an actuation support and a distal portion presenting an outlet section occupied by a viewing zone and by at least one outlet orifice for passing at least one appliance for occupying a retracted position inside the tube and a working position in which the appliance occupies at least a portion of the outlet section. The distal portion of the insertion tube includes at least one radially deformable wall over a portion of its length extending from the outlet section, enabling the outlet section of the distal portion of the tube to be increased on the appliance passing from its retracted position in which the appliance does not stress the deformable wall to its working position in which the deformable wall is stressed radially.