Endoscope Handle Layout for One-Hand Tip and Instrument Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing endoscopes, such as flexible ureteroscopes, face challenges in ergonomics and require improved methods for manipulating the tip and ancillary devices, necessitating better ergonomics and actuation mechanisms for enhanced user control and efficiency during medical procedures.
Innovation Solution
An endoscope design featuring a handle with a proximal and distal portion, an elongate shaft with a deflectable tip actuated by a first mechanism, and an actuatable medical instrument slidably disposed within the shaft, actuated by a self-locking mechanism using hinged arms and biasing elements, allowing single-hand operation and deflection control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple actuation mechanisms are provided for controlling the distal tip and ancillary devices, then precise control is achieved, but the device complexity and difficulty of operation increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple actuation mechanisms (first actuation mechanism for distal tip deflection, second actuation mechanism for ancillary device control) are integrated into a single handle assembly that can be operated with one hand. The mechanisms are combined in space and time, allowing both functions to be controlled from a single location without requiring separate control stations or hands.
Solution Approach 2:
The handle assembly serves multiple functions: it houses both the first actuation mechanism for deflecting the distal tip and the second actuation mechanism for controlling ancillary devices. This multi-functional design allows a single component (the handle) to perform what would traditionally require multiple separate control systems.
2Measurement precision
If multiple actuation mechanisms are provided for precise control of distal tip and ancillary devices, then control precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to requiring two hands
Solution Approach 1:
The first and second actuation mechanisms are merged into a single operable unit on the handle, allowing both the distal tip deflection and ancillary device control to be actuated by the thumb of a single hand. This spatial and functional merging enables precise dual-control with one hand.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuation mechanisms utilize rotational movement of hinged arms through multiple positions (fully retracted, partially retracted, fully extended) to control different functions. This multi-position rotational dimension allows encoding of multiple control commands within a single degree of freedom, enabling complex control with simplified operation.
3Stability of the object's composition
If self-locking features are added to the actuation mechanisms, then stability of the distal tip position is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The actuation mechanisms incorporate self-locking features that automatically maintain the distal tip at selected deflected positions without requiring continuous force application. The mechanism serves itself by locking into position through its own structural design (hinged arms with biasing elements), eliminating the need for external locking devices or continuous power input.
Solution Approach 2:
The hinged arm mechanism moves through discrete periodic positions (fully retracted, partially retracted, fully extended) with the distal tip corresponding to different deflection angles. The self-locking feature engages at these periodic positions, providing stable positioning at each discrete angle while maintaining simplicity through the periodic nature of the motion.
Data Source
AI summary
A medical device configured to be actuated using a first hand may include a handle comprising a proximal handle portion and a distal handle portion, an elongate shaft extending distally from the distal handle portion, wherein the elongate shaft includes a distal tip that is deflectable using a first actuation mechanism secured to the proximal handle portion, wherein the handle includes a port in communication with the elongate shaft, and an actuatable medical instrument configured to be slidably disposed within the elongate shaft and the port. A proximal end of the actuatable medical instrument may be operably connected to a second actuation mechanism secured to the proximal handle portion. The first actuation mechanism may be configured to be actuated by a thumb of the first hand. The second actuation mechanism may be configured to be actuated by the thumb of the first hand.