Disposable Endoscope Gripping Device with Elastomeric Friction Interface
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Solution Overview
Problem
Endoscopists experience discomfort and musculoskeletal injuries due to the lubricated endoscope shaft's slippery nature and the need for prolonged gripping forces, leading to issues like wrist tendinopathy and carpal tunnel syndrome, and there is a risk of cross-contamination with reusable gripping devices.
Innovation Solution
A single-use gripping device with a two-part design that securely attaches to the endoscope shaft, featuring elastomeric material for improved grip and a mechanism to prevent re-engagement after use, reducing the force applied and minimizing lubricant transfer, while ensuring the device remains attached even when the user's grip is released.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a piece of gauze is placed between the shaft and the user's thumb and fingers to provide greater friction, then grip stability is improved, but the gauze quickly becomes saturated with lubricant and loses its effectiveness
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a disposable gripper that is discarded after a single use, eliminating the problem of lubricant saturation that plagues reusable gauze. The disposable nature ensures consistent grip performance throughout the procedure without degradation from repeated exposure to lubricant.
Solution Approach 2:
The gripper utilizes composite material construction combining rigid structural components with elastomeric gripping surfaces. This composite approach provides both structural integrity and high friction grip capability that resists lubricant contamination, maintaining effective grip duration.
2Measurement precision
If the endoscopist grips the shaft firmly to manipulate it, then control precision is improved, but significant pain and discomfort occurs in hands and wrist due to the lubricious nature of the shaft
Solution Approach 1:
The gripper acts as an intermediary device between the user's hand and the lubricated shaft. It provides a high-friction interface that transfers control forces efficiently while protecting the user's hand from direct contact with the slippery shaft surface, reducing discomfort and pain.
Solution Approach 2:
The gripper concentrates friction-enhancing elastomeric material specifically at the contact points with the shaft, providing localized high-grip zones where force transmission is needed while maintaining overall structural rigidity for precise control.
3Quantity of substance
If a reusable gripping device is used, then device cost is reduced, but cross-contamination risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent adopts a disposable gripping device that is inexpensive enough to be single-use but effective enough to eliminate cross-contamination risks. Each new procedure receives a sterile, unused gripper, ensuring patient safety while maintaining cost-effectiveness through streamlined manufacturing.
4Reliability
If the gripping means is engaged with the endoscope shaft, then grip stability is improved, but the device cannot be slid along the shaft for repositioning
Solution Approach 1:
The gripper incorporates a dynamic engagement mechanism with movable parts that allow transition between engaged and disengaged states. The elastomeric components and movable fingers enable the device to grip firmly when needed while allowing easy sliding for repositioning by manipulating the release mechanism.
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
The device reduces user discomfort and the risk of musculoskeletal injuries by distributing force more evenly and preventing cross-contamination through its secure attachment and single-use design, allowing for effective manipulation of the endoscope shaft without repositioning.
Implementation Method 1
featuring elastomeric material for improved grip
Data Source
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AI summary
This invention relates to a gripping device for an endoscope,and to an assembly comprising an endoscope and a gripping device. A single use gripping device for an endoscope shaft comprises a first part; a second part, the second part being moveable relative to the first part, and at least one of the first and second parts including a channel for receiving said shaft,the second part being moveable relative to the first part between a first, open configuration in which the endoscope shaft can be placed in the channel and a second, closed configuration in which, in use, the first and second parts surround said endoscope shaft; engaging means configured to retain the first and second parts in said closed configuration and to prevent movement of the first and second parts back to said open configuration without disabling the engaging means; and detent means arranged to prevent insertion of an endoscope shaft into said channel when, in use, the first and second parts are in said closed configuration.