Endoscope Elevator Segmented Channel for Tool Insertion

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Solution Overview

Problem

Endoscopes face challenges in balancing the insertability and elevating force of treatment tools at the distal end part, with existing designs either hindering tool protrusion due to perpendicular contact or requiring excessive force for tilting, which affects the ease of tool advancement and control.

Innovation Solution

The design incorporates a treatment tool contact portion within the elevator housing space, supported for rotational movement, with a cap covering part of the elevator housing space, and a protrusion on the distal end part to control the advancing direction of the treatment tool, optimizing the fulcrum and force points for improved insertability and elevating force.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Force

If the treatment tool insertion channel is formed close to horizontal to the axial direction, then the elevating force of the elevator is high, but the insertability of the treatment tool is hindered

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelevating forceVSAvoidinsertability

Core Design Contradiction:

ForceVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The treatment tool insertion channel is divided into two sections: a first section close to horizontal for high elevating force, and a second section tilted in the protrusion direction for improved insertability. This segmentation allows each section to optimize for its specific function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The channel configuration transitions from a two-dimensional horizontal alignment to a three-dimensional tilted path, adding a vertical component that enables both high elevating force and improved insertability simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Ease of operation

If the treatment tool insertion channel is tilted near the treatment tool outlet port, then the insertability of the treatment tool is improved, but the elevating force of the elevator decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveinsertabilityVSAvoidelevating force

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The insertion channel is segmented into a first section (horizontal) for elevating force and a second section (tilted) for insertability, allowing each section to optimize for its primary function without compromising the other.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The channel geometry dynamically transitions from horizontal to tilted along its length, adapting the angle to match the operational requirements at different positions - horizontal near the elevator for force multiplication, tilted near the outlet for smooth insertion.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Ease of operation

If the elevator is operated from reclined position to elevated position, then the treatment tool is elevated and supported, but the treatment tool bends near the treatment tool outlet port

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetool support and elevationVSAvoidtool bending

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The channel has different geometric qualities at different locations: the first section is horizontal to provide leverage, while the second section is tilted to reduce bending stress on the treatment tool near the outlet port.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The channel transitions smoothly from horizontal to tilted through a curved transition section, avoiding sharp angles that would cause excessive bending of the treatment tool while maintaining effective elevation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

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 configuration enhances both the insertability and elevating force of the treatment tool, allowing for smoother advancement and control, reducing the risk of tool obstruction and operational difficulty, while maintaining a disposable design for infection prevention.

Implementation Method 1

one end of the elevator is supported at an elevator support portion so as to be rotationally movable with respect to the distal end part main body

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRotational movement:

Implementation Method 2

a treatment tool contact portion that is provided in the elevator housing space and comes into contact with a treatment tool to control an advancing direction of the treatment tool

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical contact and guidance:

Implementation Method 3

a contact point between the treatment tool and the upper part or the like of the treatment tool outlet port provided in the distal end part main body serves as a fulcrum point, and a contact point between the treatment tool and the elevator serves as a force point

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLever principle: Lever

Data Source

PatentUS20230355079A1endoscope

Publication Date: 2023.11.09 FUJIFILM CORP

AI summary

The endoscope includes an insertion part to be inserted into a subject, a distal end part main body, a treatment tool contact portion, and an elevator. The distal end part main body has an elevator housing space communicating with a treatment tool outlet port. The treatment tool contact portion is provided in the elevator housing space and comes into contact with the treatment tool to control an advancing direction of the treatment tool. The elevator is provided in the elevator housing space and elevates the treatment tool of which the advancing direction is controlled by the treatment tool contact portion.