Endoscope Handle Sealed Compartment for Fluid Protection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Modern endoscopes face challenges in amplifying weak camera signals from the distal end to the monitor due to noise and attenuation issues in long cables, and protecting electronics from fluids in the handle is difficult due to ergonomic constraints and the need for movable parts.
Innovation Solution
A sealed compartment within the endoscope handle houses electronic circuitry, including a mounting plate and cover made of transparent plastic, which facilitates easy sealing and protects the electronics from fluids, while the cable conduit within the insertion tube provides additional protection against fluid ingress.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the outer handle housing is sealed to protect electronics from fluids, then protection reliability is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase due to ergonomic constraints and movable parts
Solution Approach 1:
The handle housing is divided into a fluid-exposed outer handle and a fluid-isolated inner compartment. The outer handle maintains ergonomic design with movable parts for fluid interaction, while the inner compartment houses sealed electronics. This segmentation allows each part to be optimized independently - the outer handle for ergonomics and the inner compartment for sealing reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The electronics are extracted from the outer handle housing and placed into a separate sealed inner compartment. This extraction removes the constraint that electronics must be located within the ergonomic handle structure, allowing the outer handle to be optimized for fluid interaction while the inner compartment provides dedicated fluid protection.
2Reliability
If the distal end of the insertion tube is advanced to a desired location within a body cavity, then diagnostic or therapeutic effectiveness is improved, but risk of fluid contact with handle electronics increases
Solution Approach 1:
The inner compartment acts as an intermediary barrier between the fluid environment and the electronics. It provides a sealed transition zone that allows the insertion tube to pass through while maintaining fluid isolation. The cable conduit further mediates by providing a sealed pathway for electrical cables from the tip electronics to the handle electronics without fluid ingress.
3Ease of manufacture
If a sealed compartment is introduced within the handle housing, then ease of sealing is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional internal structure
Solution Approach 1:
The inner compartment is nested within the outer handle housing, creating a compact layered structure. This nesting allows the sealed compartment to be integrated into the existing handle design without requiring a completely separate assembly. The inner compartment fits within the handle's internal volume, utilizing otherwise wasted space while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
Data Source
AI summary
A video endoscope including an operating handle; an insertion tube extending distally from the operating handle; a camera at the distal end of the insertion tube; a working channel extending from the housing to the distal end of the insertion tube; and control cables; the operating handle including: a housing; a control lever comprising a wall and trunnions extending laterally from the wall; a first wall comprising a first support aperture; a second wall comprising a second support aperture, the first support aperture and the second support aperture receiving the trunnions to facilitate rotation of the control lever; a sealed compartment; and lateral grooves configured to receive guiding cables.