Endoscope Distal End Cover Segmentation for Cleaning Reliability

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing endoscopes face challenges in reliably cleaning the fluid conduit, which can lead to clogs and reduced effectiveness in removing debris from the observation window.

Innovation Solution

The endoscope design incorporates a distal end member with a fluid passage, a first distal end cover made of elastically deformable material, and a second distal end cover made of a harder material. The nozzle includes a nozzle channel portion communicating with the fluid passage and an ejection port, with the first nozzle configuring portion being covered by the second distal end cover in the mounted state.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a single distal end cover made of elastic material is used, then the nozzle can be configured with flexibility, but the nozzle components may deform under fluid pressure reducing cleaning reliability

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenozzle configuration flexibilityVSAvoidcleaning reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The distal end cover is divided into two separate covers: a first distal end cover made of elastic material that provides flexibility for nozzle configuration, and a second distal end cover made of harder material that prevents deformation under fluid pressure. This segmentation allows each cover to perform its specific function without compromise.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses composite material construction by combining an elastic material (for the first cover) with a harder material (for the second cover). This allows the structure to exhibit both flexibility and rigidity properties simultaneously, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Ease of operation

If the first distal end cover is made of elastic material, then attachment and detachment is easier, but the nozzle channel portion may deform under high fluid pressure

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveattachment easeVSAvoidnozzle shape stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The distal end cover is divided into two separate covers: a first distal end cover made of elastic material that provides flexibility for nozzle configuration, and a second distal end cover made of harder material that prevents deformation under fluid pressure. This segmentation allows each cover to perform its specific function without compromise.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different parts of the distal end cover structure have different material properties: the first cover uses elastic material where flexibility is needed for attachment/detachment operations, while the second cover uses harder material where structural stability is needed to maintain nozzle shape under pressure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Reliability

If a harder material is used for the distal end cover, then nozzle deformation is prevented, but attachment and detachment becomes more difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenozzle shape stabilityVSAvoidattachment ease

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The distal end cover is divided into two separate covers: a first distal end cover made of elastic material that provides flexibility for nozzle configuration, and a second distal end cover made of harder material that prevents deformation under fluid pressure. This segmentation allows each cover to perform its specific function without compromise.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different parts of the distal end cover structure have different material properties: the first cover uses elastic material where flexibility is needed for attachment/detachment operations, while the second cover uses harder material where structural stability is needed to maintain nozzle shape under pressure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

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

This design enhances the cleaning ability of the endoscope by preventing deformation of the nozzle components, reducing fluid leakage, and ensuring reliable attachment and detachment of the distal end covers, thus maintaining the effectiveness of the cleaning process.

Implementation Method 1

a first distal end cover made of an elastically deformable material and detachably attached to the distal end member; a second distal end cover made of a material harder than the material of the first distal end cover and attached to the distal end member

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS20250025032A1Endoscope and distal end cover

Publication Date: 2025.01.23 OLYMPUS CORPORATION(JP)

AI summary

An endoscope includes: a distal end body comprising a first fluid passage, the first fluid passage extending in a direction intersecting a longitudinal direction of the distal end body, the first fluid passage comprising a first distal end opening; a first cover detachably attached to the distal end body, the first cover including a second fluid passage in fluid communication with the first fluid passage, the second fluid passage extending along the longitudinal direction; and a second cover detachably attached to the distal end body, the second cover located distally relative to the first cover.