Endoscope Holder for Operating Table Automation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing endoscopic instrument positioning and holding systems are cumbersome, requiring significant space, high costs, complex sterilization, and restrict the surgeon's working area, as they often necessitate manual operation and external support structures.
Innovation Solution
A compact holding and guiding apparatus with a first guide device in a plane and a second guide device perpendicular to it, allowing automated positioning and guiding of endoscopic instruments through a receiver that is rotatable and movable, coupled with a control system for motorized x-y-z movements and rotations, which can be directly attached to the patient, reducing the need for external support structures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If external holding devices disposed laterally to or above the operating table are used, then the endoscope can be held and positioned, but the space requirement increases and the surgeon's working area is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the holding device with the operating table itself, integrating the endoscope positioning function into the table structure. The holding device is disposed on the operating table rather than being a separate external structure, thereby merging two functions (table support and endoscope holding) into one unified system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the vertical dimension by disposing the holding device on the operating table surface, allowing the endoscope to be held in three-dimensional space without occupying lateral working space. The device enables positioning in multiple directions (azimuth and elevation angles) while maintaining a compact footprint on the table.
2Reliability
If external holding devices are used, then the endoscope can be positioned, but the costs and sterilisation complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating the holding device with the operating table, the patent reduces the number of separate components that require sterilization. The combined structure simplifies the sterilization process compared to multiple separate external devices, as fewer distinct parts need to be sterilized and assembled.
3Ease of operation
If manual operation of the endoscope is required, then the surgeon can control the positioning, but the medical assistant must be solely concerned with holding the endoscope requiring high concentration and effective communication
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the surgeon to independently control the endoscope positioning through the holding device, eliminating the need for a medical assistant to manually hold and guide the instrument. The automated or semi-automated positioning system allows the surgeon to adjust azimuth and elevation angles directly, making the system self-sufficient and reducing interpersonal coordination requirements.
4Measurement precision
If automated positioning with motorized drives is implemented, then positioning precision is improved, but the device complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the positioning system into two independent rotational degrees of freedom: azimuth angle adjustment and elevation angle adjustment. Each degree of freedom can be controlled separately with its own drive mechanism, allowing for precise positioning without requiring a single complex multi-axis drive system. This segmented approach simplifies the overall system architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs sequential rotational movements in different dimensions (first azimuth rotation, then elevation rotation) to achieve three-dimensional positioning. This multi-dimensional approach allows precise endoscope orientation without requiring linear actuators or complex spatial mechanisms, utilizing rotational degrees of freedom instead.
Data Source
AI summary
A support and guide device for an endoscopic instrument includes a first guide device extending substantially in a plane and bordering a surface, a first carriage that can travel along the first guide device, a second guide device connected to the first carriage and extending in a plane perpendicular thereto, a second carriage that can travel along the second guide device, a holder for the endoscopic instrument which is connected to the carriage and rotatable about the longitudinal axis of the carriage and moveable in the axial direction, and drive units for the first and the second carriages and for the holder for the endoscopic instrument. A control system is associated with the drive units.