Endoscope Irrigation via Interstitial Fluid Channels
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing small diameter endoscopic devices face challenges in accommodating multiple components within a minimal diameter and size, leading to performance and assembly complexity, while also requiring separate channels for irrigation, insufflation, and other functions, which increases the overall diameter.
Innovation Solution
The use of a multi-lumen tube with tightly packed tubes and cables, where empty spaces between them allow fluid flow for irrigation, insufflation, and other functions, eliminating the need for separate channels, and incorporating an articulation mechanism with sealed gaskets to prevent leakage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If multiple components are accommodated within a minimal diameter endoscope, then the device complexity increases and assembly becomes more complex, but the overall diameter can be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements nesting by placing tubes, cables, and wires inside the insertion tube in a concentric arrangement. The multi-lumen tube contains multiple lumens that accommodate irrigation fluid channels, while cables and wires are positioned within the remaining interior space of the insertion tube. This nested configuration allows multiple functional components to coexist within a minimal diameter endoscope shaft.
2Adaptability or versatility
If separate channels are provided for irrigation, insufflation, and other functions, then the functionality is ensured, but the overall diameter of the endoscope increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple functional channels into a single multi-lumen tube structure. The multi-lumen tube integrates irrigation fluid channels and other functional lumens within one consolidated component that fits inside the insertion tube. This combining approach maintains all necessary functions (irrigation, insufflation, etc.) while avoiding the diameter increase that would result from providing separate external channels for each function.
3Area of stationary object
If tubes and cables are tightly packed to reduce diameter, then the overall size is reduced, but empty spaces remain that could allow fluid leakage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a flexible sealing member (gasket) that conforms to the irregular spaces between the tightly packed tubes, cables, and wires within the insertion tube. This flexible sealing element fills the gaps and prevents fluid leakage between the handle section and the insertion tube, maintaining reliability despite the tight packing configuration that minimizes the overall cross-sectional area.
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 configuration reduces the overall diameter of the insertion tube while enabling the integration of more components without increasing the cross-sectional area, enhancing the device's functionality and reducing assembly complexity.
Implementation Method 1
components of an articulation mechanism including articulation cylinders that are sealed by gaskets, which are adapted to enable movement of the cables or wires that pass through the insertion tube to steer the articulation section without leakage of liquid or gas between the handle section and the insertion tube
Implementation Method 2
the liquid or gas that flows through the empty spaces between the plurality of tubes, wires, and cables that pass through the interior of the insertion tube from the handle section of the endoscope to the at least one nozzle
Data Source
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AI summary
In a first aspect the invention is 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. In a second aspect the invention 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. In a third aspect the invention is a distal tip comprising a pattern of alternating grooves and lands on its outer surface and a cap that fits tightly over the lands. The tight fitting cap changes the grooves into closed channels through which liquid or gas can flow.