Portable Endoscope Video Display Offset and Suction Tube Layout

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing portable endoscopes face challenges in user operation due to field of vision obstruction and interference between the right hand grasping the insertion portion and the suction tube, hindering smooth and certain procedural performance.

Innovation Solution

The portable endoscope design positions the video display device to project from one side and arranges the fluid tube to extend outward from the back face of the video display device, allowing the suction valve's tube connecting portion to be positioned in the same direction, thereby keeping the operation portion's right side open, reducing interference and enhancing usability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the video display device is positioned on the operation portion, then the operator can view endoscopic images, but the field of vision is obstructed and the right hand grasping the insertion portion interferes with the suction tube

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefield of visionVSAvoidinterference between components

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The video display device is positioned to project from the side of the operation portion rather than from the top or front, utilizing the lateral dimension to avoid obstruction of the operator's field of vision and eliminate interference with the suction tube and grasping hand

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the fluid tube is connected to the operation portion, then suction function is provided, but the suction tube interferes with the right hand grasping the insertion portion

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesuction functionVSAvoidhand movement freedom

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The suction tube connection is extracted from the main body of the operation portion and repositioned to the side, allowing the suction tube to extend outward without interfering with the operator's right hand grasping the insertion portion

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Ease of manufacture

If the video display device is positioned centrally on the operation portion, then it is easy to attach, but it obstructs the view and creates interference with operational components

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice attachmentVSAvoidoperational clarity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The video display device is positioned asymmetrically on the side of the operation portion rather than centrally, creating an optimized layout that avoids obstruction of the view and interference with operational components while maintaining attachability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #4Asymmetry

Data Source

PatentUS11089942B2Portable endoscope having video display device offset relative to longitudinal axis of operation portion

Publication Date: 2021.08.17 OLYMPUS CORPORATION(JP)

AI summary

A portable endoscope includes: an operation portion; a video display device provided with a display portion and a device body; and a suction valve or a gas feeding adapter including a tube connecting portion provided on a fluid pipe sleeve. The body attaching portion of the device body is provided at a predetermined position positionally displaced from a central part of the device body; and the tube connecting portion is arranged along a back face of the device body and arranged in a display portion projection range projecting outward from the operation portion left side face viewed from the video display screen side.