Video Endoscope Handle Rotation Stop for Cable-Safe Shaft Rotation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional video endoscopes require complete rotation, leading to inconvenient operator control positioning and risk of electrical connection damage due to fixed shaft and handle design.

Innovation Solution

A handle with a rotatable interface portion and mechanical rotation stop allows independent rotation of the shaft relative to the handle, preventing electrical connection damage and maintaining operator control convenience.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the shaft and handle are permanently fixed to each other, then the electrical connection is stable, but the operator control position becomes unfavorable during rotation of the endoscope

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrical connection stabilityVSAvoidoperator control accessibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The endoscope is divided into separable components: a disposable shaft and a reusable handle. The shaft can be detached and discarded after single use, while the handle is sterilized and reused. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by allowing the handle with its controls to remain stationary and accessible, while the shaft can be rotated independently for examination purposes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system transitions from a static fixed connection to a dynamic reusable configuration. The handle is designed to be reused multiple times through sterilization, while the shaft is disposable. This dynamic approach allows the control interface on the handle to maintain its optimal position while the examination portion (shaft) can be rotated as needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If the complete video endoscope is rotated during examination, then the view of the object field is varied, but the operator controls are arranged in an unfavorable position

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveview variation capabilityVSAvoidoperator control position

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

By separating the endoscope into a disposable shaft and reusable handle, the system allows the handle with controls to remain in a fixed, ergonomically optimal position while the shaft can be rotated independently to vary the examination view. The shaft is designed to be disposable after single use.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Adaptability or versatility

If the shaft is made rotatable relative to the handle, then the view variation is improved, but the electrical connection may twist, be over extended, or be damaged

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverotation capabilityVSAvoidelectrical connection integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The endoscope is segmented into a disposable shaft and reusable handle. The shaft can be rotated relative to the handle during examination, and after use, the shaft is discarded rather than requiring the electrical connection to withstand repeated rotation and sterilization cycles. This resolves the reliability concern while maintaining rotation capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The shaft is designed as a disposable, single-use component that can be rotated during examination without concern for electrical connection durability from repeated rotation and sterilization. After one use, the shaft is discarded and replaced, eliminating the need for the electrical connection to withstand extensive mechanical stress.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

4Reliability

If the complete video endoscope is sterilized in an autoclave, then the sterilization is thorough, but the operator controls and buttons are exposed to harsh sterilization conditions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesterilization completenessVSAvoidoperator control durability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The endoscope is divided into a disposable shaft and a reusable handle. Only the shaft, which comes into contact with the examination site, is sterilized in the autoclave. The handle with its sensitive operator controls and buttons is not subjected to harsh sterilization conditions, preserving its functionality and extending its service life through repeated use.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP3753473B1Video endoscope and handle, including driven rotation limitation, for video endoscope

Publication Date: 2023.12.13 KARL STORZ SE & CO KG

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AI summary

The invention concerns a handle for a video endoscope, in particular for a medical or industrial video endoscope, comprising a housing and an interface portion rotatably supported relative to the housing, wherein the interface portion comprises a first connector element at its distal end section, the first connector element is connectable to a second connector element of an associated elongate shaft of the video endoscope to form a detachable, rotatable electrical and/or mechanical connection between the handle and the associated shaft, and comprising an electrical connection assembly arranged at an exterior of the interface portion forming an electrical connection to a stationary electric and/or electronic component of the handle, wherein the first connector element is electrically connected to the electrical connection assembly, and the handle comprises a mechanical rotation stop for a rotation of the interface portion relative to the housing such, that a rotation range of the interface portion and/or the connected shaft is limited and a tearing off of the electrical connection assembly is prevented. Furthermore, the invention relates to a video endoscope.