Ergonomic Assist Device for Endoscope Deflection Knob
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current endoscopes are not ergonomically designed, leading to thumb and hand strain during procedures due to rigid angulation control knobs and stiff grip sections, particularly affecting users with smaller or weaker hands, as they struggle with reaching and manipulating the dials.
Innovation Solution
A device with a body shaped to surround and attach to the endoscope's deflection knob, featuring multiple protrusions that extend towards the endoscope, allowing for easier manipulation by reducing the distance the thumb needs to reach and using a resilient member for secure attachment, made from suitable materials like ABS or PLA.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If rigid angulation control knobs and stiff grip sections are used, then structural stability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to thumb and hand strain
Solution Approach 1:
The device segments the control mechanism by adding a separate auxiliary body with protrusions that interfaces with the original rigid dial. This allows the rigid structural components to remain stable while the added segment provides ergonomic benefits through its flexible protrusions that reduce thumb strain during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The auxiliary body acts as an intermediary between the user's thumb and the rigid dial. The protrusions on the auxiliary body serve as a mediator that transmits rotational force more comfortably, reducing direct strain on the thumb while maintaining the structural stability of the original rigid control mechanism.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the deflection knob is positioned at a distance from the thumb, then structural stability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to reaching difficulty
Solution Approach 1:
The device extends the control interface into a new spatial dimension by adding protrusions that reach toward the user's thumb. This dimensional extension brings the control points closer to the thumb without altering the position of the original stable dial structure, effectively reducing the reaching distance while maintaining structural stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The protrusions serve as intermediaries that bridge the gap between the thumb and the distant dial. By providing intermediate contact points closer to the user, the device reduces the reaching distance required while the original dial maintains its stable structural position.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the hand grip section is made stiff, then structural stability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to hand strain
Solution Approach 1:
The device segments the interaction between hand and control mechanism by adding a separate auxiliary body. This allows the original stiff grip section to maintain structural stability while the auxiliary segment provides additional ergonomic support that reduces hand strain during prolonged operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The auxiliary body acts as an intermediary that distributes operational forces away from the hand. By providing additional contact points and leverage through its protrusions, it reduces the strain on the hand while the original stiff grip section continues to provide structural stability.
Data Source
AI summary
Devices for assisting manipulation of input mechanisms of medical instruments are disclosed. According to an aspect, a device includes a body defining an interior shaped to substantially surround and attach to the input mechanism of a medical instrument. The device also includes multiple protrusions attached to the body and each extending in one or more directions towards the medical instrument.