Endoscope Guide Sheath Positioning Aid Alignment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing endoscope guide sheath positioning systems lack precision and consistency in aligning the guide sheath relative to the endoscope, leading to inaccuracies in positioning treatment tools during surgical procedures.

Innovation Solution

A positioning aid system that includes an opening for the endoscope insertion and an alignment portion to align with specific features on the endoscope's distal surface, allowing for precise circumferential and longitudinal positioning of the guide sheath relative to the endoscope, facilitated by abutting portions and visual confirmation through an endoscopic image.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If conventional guide sheath positioning methods are used, then the attachment process is simple, but the positioning precision and consistency are poor

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepositioning precisionVSAvoidpositioning aid structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a positioning aid as an intermediary device between the guide sheath and the endoscope. This positioning aid includes positioning protrusions that fit into positioning recesses on the endoscope, and alignment marks that align with specific features on the endoscope. The positioning aid serves as a mediator to achieve precise and consistent positioning without requiring direct complex mechanisms between the guide sheath and endoscope.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces complex mechanical positioning systems with a simpler mark-based alignment system. The alignment portion includes first alignment marks that align with first alignment subjects on the endoscope, and second alignment marks that align with second alignment subjects. This visual alignment system substitutes for complex mechanical alignment mechanisms while maintaining high positioning precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If no positioning aid is used, then the device complexity is low, but the operator variability and positioning accuracy are high

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepositioning consistencyVSAvoidpositioning aid system

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The positioning aid acts as a standardized intermediary that eliminates operator variability. It provides fixed positioning protrusions and alignment marks that ensure consistent positioning regardless of which operator performs the attachment. The positioning aid standardizes the interface between guide sheath and endoscope, making the positioning process reliable and repeatable.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The positioning aid is attached to the guide sheath in advance before the actual positioning operation. The positioning protrusions and alignment marks are pre-configured on the positioning aid, allowing the operator to simply follow the alignment marks and insert the positioning protrusions into the corresponding recesses on the endoscope. This preliminary preparation ensures consistent positioning without requiring complex real-time adjustments.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Manufacturing precision

If precise alignment marks are added, then the positioning accuracy improves, but the manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvealignment precisionVSAvoidpositioning aid fabrication

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses visual alignment marks instead of complex mechanical alignment features. The first alignment marks and second alignment marks can be manufactured using simple printing or marking techniques on the positioning aid surface, rather than requiring precision-machined mechanical alignment features. This substitutes complex mechanical manufacturing with simpler marking processes while maintaining high alignment precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The alignment marks on the positioning aid are designed to align with corresponding alignment subjects on the endoscope. These marks can be created as simple visual copies or indicators that guide the operator to the correct alignment position, rather than requiring exact physical replicas of complex features. This reduces manufacturing complexity while maintaining alignment accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Data Source

PatentUS20230181012A1Positioning aid, positioning aid system for endoscope and guide sheath, and method for attaching guide sheath

Publication Date: 2023.06.15 OLYMPUS CORPORATION(JP)

AI summary

A positioning aid includes an opening configured to be inserted a distal end portion of an endoscope; and an alignment portion configured to be aligned with a particular alignment subject on a distal end surface of the endoscope. The alignment portion is configured to line up with the particular alignment subject in a longitudinal direction of the endoscope in a state where the endoscope inserted into the opening and a guide sheath are arranged to have a particular positional relationship in a circumferential direction about a longitudinal axis of the endoscope.