Endoscope Head with Variable Opening Width for Rapid Tube Exchange
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing endoscopes require significant effort to change between different diameters, necessitating the replacement of the entire endoscope tube and its connectors, which is inefficient and time-consuming.
Innovation Solution
A medical device with an endoscope head featuring a longitudinal channel with a variable opening width and a clamping device that adjusts to accommodate endoscope tubes of different diameters, allowing for quick and secure attachment and detachment without the need for permanent connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the entire endoscope tube is replaced to change diameter, then the diameter can be changed, but the procedure becomes time-consuming and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The endoscope head is designed with a universal longitudinal channel that can accommodate endoscope tubes of different diameters through a variable opening width mechanism. This allows a single endoscope head to perform multiple functions by accepting various tube sizes without requiring complete replacement of the endoscope system.
Solution Approach 2:
The longitudinal channel incorporates a variable opening width that can dynamically adjust to match different tube diameters. The clamping device with movable clamping bodies enables the channel to adapt its internal dimensions in real-time, transitioning from a static to a dynamic structure that responds to different tube sizes.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the entire endoscope tube is replaced to change diameter, then the diameter can be changed, but the device complexity increases due to multiple connectors
Solution Approach 1:
The endoscope head serves as a universal interface that eliminates the need for multiple specialized connectors for different tube diameters. By incorporating a variable opening width mechanism, a single connector design can accommodate various tube sizes, thereby reducing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges the functions of multiple diameter-specific connectors into a single endoscope head with an adjustable longitudinal channel. This consolidation integrates what would otherwise require separate components into one unified structure, simplifying the overall system.
3Ease of manufacture
If a fixed opening width is used in the longitudinal channel, then the structure is simpler, but it cannot accommodate tubes of different diameters
Solution Approach 1:
The longitudinal channel transitions from a fixed, static structure to a dynamic one with variable opening width. The clamping device enables the channel to adjust its internal dimensions while maintaining structural integrity, achieving adaptability without excessive manufacturing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The opening width parameter of the longitudinal channel is made variable rather than fixed. By enabling this parameter to change in response to different tube diameters, the structure maintains relative simplicity while gaining the ability to accommodate various tube sizes.
4Ease of operation
If the clamping device is not tensioned, then the opening width is maximum, but the tube is not securely held
Solution Approach 1:
The clamping device operates dynamically, allowing the longitudinal channel to transition between an open state for easy tube insertion and a clamped state for secure, gas-tight holding. This dynamic adjustment ensures both ease of operation and reliability during different phases of use.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables rapid exchange between endoscope tubes of varying diameters, minimizing treatment time and simplifying the process by allowing quick coupling and decoupling, while maintaining a gas-tight seal and ensuring precise alignment for fluid communication.
Implementation Method 1
The clamping elements can be forced or pushed radially outward against the endoscope tube. The clamping effect is achieved by radial pressure exerted from the outside via the clamping elements onto the wall of the endoscope tube.
Implementation Method 2
The clamping device preferably serves to hold the endoscope tube tightly, and in particular gas-tight, in the longitudinal channel.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a medical device comprising an endoscope head (1) which is designed to be releasably connected to endoscope tubes (2). The endoscope head (1) has a longitudinal channel (4) for receiving an endoscope tube (2), wherein the longitudinal channel (4) has a variable opening width for receiving endoscope tubes (2) with different diameters D2, and the endoscope head (1) has a clamping device (5) in order to hold an endoscope tube (2) inserted into the longitudinal channel (4) in a clamped manner.