Endoscope Guide-Wire Securing Unit for Thin Duct Stability

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

The insertion and maintenance of guide wires in thin ducts such as the pancreatic, bile, and hepatic ducts during endoscopic treatments are cumbersome and prone to withdrawal issues, leading to high personnel and financial burdens due to the difficulty in securing the guide wire in place.

Innovation Solution

An endoscope with a treatment instrument riser and a guide-wire securing unit that uses a rotatable mechanism and O-rings to secure the guide wire in position, preventing unintended withdrawal and allowing for easier insertion and withdrawal of treatment instruments.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a guide wire is inserted into thin ducts during endoscopic treatment, then treatment can be performed, but the guide wire is prone to withdrawal and requires manual holding, increasing operator workload

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveguide wire position stabilityVSAvoidoperator workload

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The guide wire securing unit automatically secures the guide wire in position without requiring continuous manual holding by the operator. The mechanism self-actuates through the rotation of the operation knob, which engages the guide wire with the securing unit, allowing the guide wire to remain stable during treatment procedures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The manual mechanical holding of the guide wire is replaced with an automated mechanical securing mechanism. The guide wire securing unit uses a rotation-based mechanism that engages the guide wire through the operation knob, substituting continuous manual intervention with a self-contained mechanical securing system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If the guide wire is frequently inserted and withdrawn for maintenance, then position stability is maintained, but time is lost and productivity decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveguide wire position stabilityVSAvoidtreatment efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The guide wire securing unit maintains guide wire position stability without requiring frequent manual insertion and withdrawal. The automated securing mechanism holds the guide wire in place throughout the procedure, eliminating the need for repeated maintenance operations and maximizing treatment productivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If a guide wire securing mechanism is added to the endoscope, then guide wire stability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveguide wire position stabilityVSAvoidendoscope structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The guide wire securing unit is integrated into the existing endoscope structure, utilizing the operation knob and treatment instrument insertion channel for multiple functions. The securing mechanism shares the operational space with the treatment instrument insertion pathway, avoiding the need for separate dedicated components and minimizing overall device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The guide wire securing unit is nested within the existing endoscope structure, utilizing the operation knob and treatment instrument insertion channel. The securing mechanism is integrated into the distal-end portion, allowing the guide wire to be secured within the existing structural framework without adding external complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

4Reliability

If the endoscope structure is modified to include the securing unit, then guide wire securing capability is enhanced, but ease of cleaning is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveguide wire securing capabilityVSAvoidease of cleaning

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The guide wire securing unit is designed as a separable component that can be independently removed from the endoscope. This segmentation allows the securing unit to be detached for thorough cleaning or replacement, maintaining ease of cleaning while providing effective guide wire securing capability during procedures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS7914440B2Endoscope

Publication Date: 2011.03.29 OLYMPUS CORPORATION(JP)

AI summary

An endoscope according includes a treatment instrument riser which guides a distal end of a treatment instrument projected from a distal end opening provided in a channel for inserting the treatment instrument in an insertion portion to a desired position; a driving mechanism which is rotatably fitted onto an axis provided in an operation portion covered with an outer packaging member, and drives the treatment instrument riser; a guide-wire securing unit which secures a position of a guide wire projected from the distal end opening provided in the channel in the insertion portion; a guide-wire securing operation member which operates the guide-wire securing unit; and a securing unit which secures a position of the guide-wire securing operation member in a state where the position of the guide-wire is secured.