Endoscope Insertion Device Channel Alignment via Segmented Tube
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing endoscope designs face challenges in efficiently guiding instruments and endoscopes through narrow body cavities due to the complexity of the tube configurations and the need for precise alignment of channels and holes.
Innovation Solution
The proposed solution involves a tube with a first hole along the longitudinal axis and a communication hole intersecting with the longitudinal axis, along with a frame member and a closing member. This configuration allows for the insertion of instruments and endoscopes through the first hole, with the communication hole enabling alignment with the forceps channel, and the closing member ensuring proper sealing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If a multi-lumen tube with multiple holes is used to reduce insertion portion diameter, then the device can be inserted into narrow body cavities, but the complexity of aligning channels and holes increases
Solution Approach 1:
The tube is divided into multiple lumens (first hole, second hole) with distinct functions. The first hole serves as the instrument insertion channel while the second hole serves as the guide wire insertion channel. This segmentation allows each channel to be optimized independently for its specific purpose, reducing overall insertion diameter while maintaining functional simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The closing member is inserted into the first hole from the proximal end, and the communication hole is formed to intersect with the first hole. This nested configuration allows the closing member to seal the first hole while the communication hole provides access, creating a compact structure that reduces insertion diameter without increasing alignment complexity.
2Volume of moving object
If the insertion portion diameter is reduced for accessing narrow body cavities, then accessibility to deep parts is improved, but the ease of guiding instruments through the tube decreases
Solution Approach 1:
By separating the instrument insertion function (first hole) from the guide wire insertion function (second hole), each channel can be designed with optimal dimensions for its specific purpose. The first hole can be larger to accommodate instruments more easily, while the overall tube diameter remains small for accessing narrow body cavities.
Solution Approach 2:
The closing member acts as an intermediary that seals the first hole when not in use, preventing instrument loss and maintaining sterility. The communication hole serves as an intermediary access point that allows guide wires to reach the first hole from the proximal end, facilitating smooth instrument guidance through the narrow insertion portion.
3Ease of operation
If a communication hole is formed to intersect with the first hole for forceps channel alignment, then instrument insertion is facilitated, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The communication hole is formed as a separate feature that intersects with the first hole at a specific position. This segmentation allows the communication hole to be formed independently from the first hole, reducing the cumulative alignment errors that would occur if all holes were formed in a single complex operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The closing member is inserted into the first hole and positioned such that the communication hole intersects with it. This nested arrangement allows the communication hole to be formed relative to the closing member position, simplifying the alignment process and reducing manufacturing precision requirements compared to forming all holes simultaneously in the tube.
Data Source
AI summary
An insertion device includes: a tube having a channel hole and a communication hole; a frame member having a tube insertion hole and a forceps channel and disposed to cover a periphery of the communication hole; and a closing member configured to close the channel hole in the tube at a position closer to a proximal end side than the communication hole and having a distal end surface disposed to face the communication hole.