Endoscope Distal-End Layout for Larger Working Channel Diameter
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing endoscopes face challenges in minimizing their outer diameter while maintaining a relatively large working channel inner diameter, leading to inefficiencies in instrument passage and space utilization.
Innovation Solution
The endoscope design incorporates a hose-like working channel member with a distal end member, where the housing features a working channel member receiving surface that allows for a free space or minimal contact with the examination supporting member, such as a camera, enabling close arrangement and secure holding without additional fastening means.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If the outer diameter of the endoscope is minimized, then the overall size is reduced, but the working channel inner diameter becomes too small for efficient instrument passage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent repositions the camera from a longitudinal arrangement (behind the working channel) to a radial arrangement (at the side of the working channel). This dimensional change allows the camera to be positioned in the radial direction, creating a free space between the camera and working channel that can be utilized to increase the working channel inner diameter while maintaining the same outer diameter.
Solution Approach 2:
The housing is divided into functional zones: a camera receiving space for the examination supporting member and a working channel member receiving space for the working channel. This segmentation allows independent optimization of each component's position and size, enabling the working channel to be enlarged without compromising camera placement.
2Reliability
If additional fastening means are added to secure the working channel member, then the reliability of holding is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The working channel member is designed to be self-holding through its own structural features. The hose-like working channel member with its distal end member configuration allows it to be securely held in the working channel member receiving space without requiring separate fastening components. The member's own geometry provides the necessary retention.
Solution Approach 2:
The functions of the working channel member and its fastening mechanism are merged into a single integrated component. The distal end member configuration inherently provides both the working channel function and the self-holding capability, eliminating the need for separate fastening means and reducing overall device complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
An endoscope including an endoscope head having a housing, an examination supporting member on the distal end of the housing, and a working channel extending in the endoscope head, the working channel being formed in a hose-like or tubular working channel member and in the housing which is provided distally from the working channel member, wherein the housing has a working channel member receiving surface that faces the working channel member. On the proximal side of the working channel member receiving surface of the housing, the examination supporting member faces, in the radial direction of the working channel, a peripheral portion of the working channel member via a free space.