Endoscope Hood Removal Tool With Flexible Gripping Recess

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing screw-based configuration for attaching a hood to an endoscope's distal tip limits hood compatibility and makes it difficult to remove the hood, especially when lubricant is applied, due to the need for manual pinching and rotating, which is challenging with gloved hands.

Innovation Solution

A removal tool with a flexible member featuring a recess and an engaging portion that grips the hood's step portion upon deformation, allowing easy detachment without direct manual gripping, even when lubricant is adhered.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the hood is tightly press-fitted to the distal tip to prevent detachment during insertion, then the hood remains securely attached during use, but the hood becomes difficult to remove after use

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecure attachment during useVSAvoidease of removal after use

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The removal tool is divided into distinct functional segments: a flexible main body that provides structural adaptability, an engaging portion with gripping protrusions that interface with the hood's step portion, and a recess that accommodates the hood. This segmentation allows each part to perform its specific function optimally while working together as a complete removal system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The flexible member is designed to dynamically adapt its shape during the removal process. When force is applied, the flexible member deforms to conform to the hood's geometry, allowing the engaging portion to properly engage with the step portion. This dynamic flexibility enables the tool to accommodate variations in hood shape and size while maintaining effective engagement for removal.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If a screw-based configuration is used to attach the hood, then the hood is securely fixed, but the hood can only be mounted on endoscopes with corresponding screw portions, limiting compatibility

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecure fixationVSAvoidcompatibility with different endoscopes

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The removal tool employs a universal engagement mechanism that interfaces with the step portion present on various hood designs. The flexible member with its engaging portion and gripping protrusions can accommodate different hood geometries and sizes, making the removal tool compatible with multiple endoscope and hood combinations without requiring model-specific tools.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The flexible member is constructed from elastic material that can deform and conform to the contours of different hood types. This flexibility allows the same removal tool to effectively engage with various hood designs through the common step portion feature, providing universal compatibility across different endoscope models and hood variations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

3Ease of operation

If manual pinching and rotating is used to remove the hood, then the hood can be detached, but it requires direct manual gripping which is difficult when wearing gloves and causes lubricant to adhere to the gloves

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to remove hoodVSAvoidlubricant adherence on gloves

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The removal tool serves as an intermediary device between the operator's hand and the hood. The flexible member with its engaging portion and gripping protrusions directly contacts and grips the hood's step portion, transferring the removal force without requiring the operator's gloved hand to directly touch the lubricated hood surface. This intermediary mechanism eliminates lubricant transfer to the gloves while maintaining effective hood removal capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 effortless removal of the hood from the endoscope's distal tip, preventing lubricant adherence on the operator's gloves and ensuring secure gripping without manual force, thus simplifying the process.

Implementation Method 1

an inner wall surface of the recess is provided with an engaging portion at a position opposing to the step portion when the hood is housed in the recess, the engaging portion being shaped to grip the hood by being engaged with the step portion as a result of deformation of the flexible member

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS11583167B2Endoscope hood removal tool and set of hood and hood removal tool

Publication Date: 2023.02.21 HOYA CORPORATION

AI summary

A removal tool for removing a hood having a hollow cylindrical shape mounted to a distal tip of an endoscope from the distal tip is constituted from a flexible member including a hole-shaped recess capable of housing the hood in its inside. An outer surface of the hood is provided with a step portion that extends along a circumferential direction of the hood. An inner wall surface of the recess is provided with an engaging portion at a position opposing to the step portion when the hood is housed in the recess, the engaging portion being shaped to grip the hood by being engaged with the step portion as a result of deformation of the flexible member.