Modular Endoscope Head with Quick-Coupling Measuring Adapter
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Solution Overview
Problem
Endoscopes require frequent replacement of endoscope tubes to accommodate different diameters, which is cumbersome and inefficient, especially in bronchoscopy where thicker devices are needed for stent insertion and ventilation connections must be reattached, making it difficult to switch between smaller and larger diameters without significant effort.
Innovation Solution
A medical device with a detachable endoscope head featuring a longitudinal channel and radially arranged measuring channels that can be connected to a quick-coupling measuring adapter, allowing for easy attachment and detachment without tools, enabling the use of different endoscope tubes with adapter sleeves for diameter compensation, ensuring secure and gas-conducting connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the entire endoscope tube is replaced to switch between different diameters, then the correct diameter for the application is achieved, but the time and effort required for replacement and reconnection increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The endoscope system is divided into separate modular components: the endoscope head and the endoscope tube can be independently detached and reconnected. This segmentation allows the tube to be replaced without replacing the entire endoscope assembly, reducing time loss while maintaining adaptability to different tube diameters.
Solution Approach 2:
The endoscope head is designed with universal connection interfaces that can accommodate multiple tube diameters (e.g., 10mm, 12mm, 14mm, 16mm) through standardized coupling mechanisms. This multi-functionality allows a single endoscope head to work with various tube sizes, eliminating the need to replace the entire system when changing tube diameters.
2Adaptability or versatility
If thicker endoscope tubes are used for stent placement, then the ability to place stents is enabled, but the handling difficulty and required practice increase
Solution Approach 1:
The connection interface between the endoscope head and tube incorporates dynamic elements such as spring-loaded clamping mechanisms that automatically adjust to different tube thicknesses. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to maintain secure connections while accommodating varying tube diameters, reducing the handling difficulty associated with thicker tubes.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple measuring channels are included in the endoscope head, then measurement capabilities are enhanced, but the complexity of connecting each channel individually increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple measuring channels are merged into a single integrated connection interface. The coupling mechanism between the endoscope head and tube combines multiple channel connections into one unified attachment action, allowing all measuring channels to be connected simultaneously through a single plug-in movement rather than requiring individual connection of each channel.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a device (1) with an endoscope head (2) which is designed to be releasably connected to endoscope tubes (4). The endoscope head (2) has a longitudinal channel (3) between the proximal end (6) and the distal end (7) of the endoscope head for receiving an endoscope tube (4), wherein at least one measuring channel (13, 14) is arranged in the endoscope head (2), said measuring channel having at least one inner connection opening (18), which is connected to the longitudinal channel (3), and at least one outer connection opening (19), which is arranged on the exterior of the endoscope head (2). The outer connection opening (2) can be connected to at least one measuring channel (28, 29) in a measuring adapter (10) which can be releasably coupled to the endoscope head (2).