Endoscope Irrigation Using Interstitial Spaces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing small diameter endoscopic devices face challenges in accommodating multiple components and functions within a minimal diameter, leading to limitations in size reduction due to performance and assembly complexity costs.
Innovation Solution
The endoscopic device utilizes empty spaces between tubes, wires, and cables within the insertion tube to create channels for liquid or gas flow, allowing for the removal of dedicated irrigation/insufflation channels and enabling the integration of additional components without increasing the cross-sectional diameter.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple dedicated channels (imaging, illumination, irrigation, working channels) are incorporated into the endoscope, then functional versatility is improved, but device diameter increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple dedicated channels (imaging, illumination, irrigation, working channels) into a single integrated insertion tube. The insertion tube is designed with internal lumens that accommodate all these functions simultaneously, eliminating the need for separate parallel channels and thereby reducing the overall device diameter while maintaining full functional versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The insertion tube is designed as a multi-functional component that simultaneously performs imaging, illumination, irrigation, and working channel functions. By making the insertion tube universal and capable of hosting multiple functions within its structure, the patent avoids the need for additional separate components, thus reducing device diameter without sacrificing adaptability.
2Volume of moving object
If component sizes are reduced to accommodate more functions, then device compactness is improved, but manufacturing precision and assembly complexity worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the endoscope into distinct functional modules (imaging module, illumination module, irrigation module, working channel module) that are each optimized independently and then integrated into the insertion tube. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured at optimal sizes without excessive miniaturization, reducing assembly complexity while maintaining compactness.
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
This approach allows for the same amount of fluid to be delivered to the distal tip while reducing the overall diameter of the insertion tube, thereby enhancing the device's compactness and functionality.
Implementation Method 1
The cap fits tightly over the lands thereby forming channels between the lands through which liquid or gas flowing through the empty spaces can continue on its way
Data Source
AI summary
An endoscopic device in which the empty spaces between the plurality of tubes, wires, and cables are utilized as a channel that enables liquid or gas to flow from the handle section to the distal tip is described. Also described is a method of reducing the diameter of an endoscope device by utilizing the empty spaces between the plurality of tubes, wires, and cables as a channel that enables liquid or gas to flow from the handle section to the distal tip. Additionally a distal tip comprising a pattern of alternating grooves and lands on its outer surface and a cap that fits tightly over the lands is described. The tight fitting cap changes the grooves into closed channels through which liquid or gas can flow.