Endoscope Handle Wing Structure for Adjustable Ergonomic Grip
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing endoscopes suffer from poor ergonomics, leading to strain and repetitive strain injuries due to the need for operators to maintain a firm grip during prolonged procedures, and existing ergonomic solutions either increase complexity or are not suitable for all hand sizes.
Innovation Solution
An endoscope design featuring a movable wing on the handle that can adjust to different positions, providing a comfortable grip by allowing the operator to loosen their hold, with a range of motion and adjustable spacing to accommodate various hand sizes and procedural needs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the operator maintains a firm grip on the handle during prolonged procedures, then control stability is improved, but operator strain and risk of repetitive strain injuries increases
Solution Approach 1:
A support surface is introduced as an intermediary element between the operator's hand and the handle. This support surface receives the weight of the hand, allowing the operator to maintain control stability through the fingers gripping the handle while the palm rests on the support surface, thereby eliminating the need for continuous firm gripping and reducing operator strain during prolonged procedures.
2Ease of operation
If ergonomic solutions are added to reduce operator strain, then operator comfort is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The handle is segmented into distinct functional zones: a gripping section for finger control and a separate support surface for palm rest. This segmentation allows each section to perform its specific function independently, providing ergonomic benefits without requiring complex integrated mechanisms. The support surface can be a simple structural extension or attachment to the handle body.
Solution Approach 2:
The support surface is designed to be automatically accessible when the operator positions their hand on the handle, requiring no active control or adjustment mechanisms. The geometry and positioning of the support surface are configured so that it naturally becomes available at the appropriate location, eliminating the need for motors, sensors, or complex actuation systems.
3Ease of operation
If a fixed ergonomic support structure is added to the handle, then operator comfort for some hand sizes is improved, but adaptability to various hand sizes decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The support surface is designed with movable or adjustable characteristics, allowing it to adapt to different hand sizes and positions. This could involve mechanical adjustability, flexible materials, or geometric configurations that naturally accommodate variations in operator anatomy, ensuring comfort and accessibility for a diverse range of users without compromising adaptability.
Data Source
AI summary
An endoscope including a handle, a wing, and an insertion cord. The handle includes a proximal operating section, a distal transition section, and an intermediate gripping section. The wing extends from the operation section and is selectively rotatable between an active position in which the wing extends along the handle to provide a hand space between the handle and the wing and a passive position in which the wing is moved away with respect to the handle positioning a free end of the wing at a second, larger, distance to the handle.