Endoscope Distal Tip Flow Deflection for Stone Collection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional endoscopes face challenges in efficiently removing debris and stones from body cavities due to complex structures that increase the distal end and insertion portion's diameter and length, particularly when using liquid feeding and suction functions.
Innovation Solution
The endoscope incorporates a deflection surface at the distal end that redirects the ejection direction of fluid away from the suction port, generating a vortex flow to efficiently collect debris and stones by integrating the deflection surface with the distal end portion, reducing the need for additional components and simplifying the structure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If liquid feeding and suction functions are integrated into the endoscope, then the ability to remove debris and stones is improved, but the distal end and insertion portion's diameter and length increase
Solution Approach 1:
The deflection surface is merged with the distal end portion structure, forming an integral component that redirects fluid flow without requiring separate external components. This integration allows the vortex flow generation function to be achieved within the existing structural envelope, avoiding increases in diameter and length while maintaining effective debris and stone removal capability
Solution Approach 2:
The deflection surface is designed with a curved configuration that redirects fluid flow in a vortex pattern. This curved geometry enables the generation of rotational flow patterns that effectively collect crushed stone pieces while fitting within the constraints of the endoscope's distal end structure, avoiding the need for extended linear components
2Productivity
If liquid feeding and suction functions are integrated into the endoscope, then the ability to remove debris and stones is improved, but the distal end and insertion portion's diameter increases
Solution Approach 1:
The deflection surface is merged with the distal end portion structure, forming an integral component that redirects fluid flow without requiring separate external components. This integration allows the vortex flow generation function to be achieved within the existing structural envelope, avoiding increases in diameter and length while maintaining effective debris and stone removal capability
Solution Approach 2:
The deflection surface is positioned to cover a specific area of the fluid ejection port, creating localized flow redirection zones. This local approach allows vortex flow generation in specific regions while maintaining the overall compact diameter of the endoscope, avoiding the need to increase the entire distal end area
3Adaptability or versatility
If additional components are used to achieve liquid feeding and suction functions, then the functionality is improved, but the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The deflection surface is merged with the distal end portion structure, forming an integral component that redirects fluid flow without requiring separate external components. This integration allows the vortex flow generation function to be achieved within the existing structural envelope, avoiding increases in diameter and length while maintaining effective debris and stone removal capability
Solution Approach 2:
The deflection surface serves multiple functions: it redirects fluid flow from the fluid ejection port, generates vortex flow patterns, and collects debris and stones without requiring separate specialized components. This multi-functionality reduces the overall number of components needed while maintaining effective liquid feeding and suction capabilities
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 allows for a more efficient collection of crushed stone pieces by generating a vortex flow, reducing the distal end and insertion portion's size, and maintaining a clear field of view while using a simpler design.
Implementation Method 1
The deflection surface is positioned so that the fluid supplied via the fluid ejection port contacts the deflection surface and is deflected in a first direction. The first direction does not intersect the suction port.
Data Source
AI summary
An endoscope comprises: an insertion portion comprising a distal end portion, the distal end portion including a distal end surface; a flow passage formed in the insertion portion, the flow passage including a fluid ejection port formed in the distal end surface and the flow passage configured to supply a fluid via the fluid ejection port to an environment outside of the insertion portion; and a suction passage formed in the insertion portion, the suction passage including a suction port formed in the distal end surface. The distal end surface includes a deflection surface formed integrally with the distal end portion. The deflection surface covers a part of the fluid ejection port. The deflection surface is positioned so that the fluid supplied via the fluid ejection port contacts the deflection surface and is deflected in a first direction. The first direction does not intersect the suction port.