Endoscope Lens Cleaning Device with Spring-Loaded Wiper
Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for cleaning endoscope lenses during minimally invasive surgery are inadequate, as they often require frequent interruptions in surgery and removal of the endoscope for manual cleaning, lacking a mechanical solution for in-situ wiping without altering the surgeon's grip or position.
Innovation Solution
An endoscope cleaning device that combines fluid flow and mechanical wiping, allowing saline irrigation and using a spring-loaded mechanism with a wiper member to remove obstructions from the lens while maintaining the surgeon's standard grip, enabling effective cleaning in situ.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If irrigation sheath is used to flush saline over the lens, then cleaning effectiveness is improved in some cases, but the lens cannot be sufficiently cleaned and requires frequent manual intervention
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines two cleaning mechanisms (irrigation and mechanical wiping) into a single integrated device. The irrigation port delivers saline to the lens while the wiper member simultaneously or sequentially wipes the lens surface, creating a synergistic cleaning effect that overcomes the limitations of using either method alone.
Solution Approach 2:
The wiper member acts as an intermediary mechanical element that physically contacts the lens to remove obstructions that fluid irrigation alone cannot eliminate. The spring mechanism serves as an intermediary that enables controlled application of the wiper to the lens surface without requiring surgeon intervention.
2Reliability
If manual cleaning is performed by removing the endoscope, then complete cleaning is achieved, but surgery must be interrupted and the endoscope removed from the patient
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning device enables self-service cleaning of the endoscope lens during surgery. The spring-loaded wiper mechanism can be activated by the surgeon through a toggle switch without removing the endoscope from the patient, allowing the lens to be cleaned in situ and eliminating surgery interruptions.
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning device is pre-positioned on the endoscope before surgery begins. The spring mechanism is pre-loaded and ready for immediate activation, allowing rapid response to lens contamination without requiring removal or repositioning of the endoscope during critical surgical moments.
3Ease of operation
If a mechanical wiper mechanism is added to the endoscope, then in-situ wiping capability is provided, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning device is segmented into distinct functional modules: an irrigation port for fluid delivery, a spring mechanism for stored energy, a wiper member for contact cleaning, and a toggle switch for activation. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently while simplifying the overall design and maintenance of the system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex motorized or electronically controlled wiper systems with a simple spring-loaded mechanical mechanism activated by a toggle switch. This substitution reduces device complexity while maintaining effective cleaning functionality, as the spring mechanism provides reliable force without requiring power sources or complex control systems.
4Ease of operation
If the surgeon maintains standard grip of the endoscope, then operational comfort is preserved, but no mechanical wiping solution is available without altering grip position
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning device is designed as a universal attachment that can be mounted on the endoscope without interfering with the surgeon's standard grip. The device integrates multiple functions (irrigation, mechanical wiping, and activation control) into a single unit that maintains compatibility with existing endoscope handling techniques while adding cleaning capability.
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 solution reduces the need for intermittent surgery halts and allows for efficient removal of debris from the endoscope lens during surgery, improving visibility and reducing the frequency of manual cleaning, thus enhancing surgical efficiency and patient safety.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic member (such as a spring) and an elastic sleeve are provided
Implementation Method 2
The elastic member and/or elastic sleeve are preferably held securely in place at a lower end
Implementation Method 3
When the irrigation source is activated, a saline or other sterile fluid may be pumped by the irrigation source through the port and along the space provided between the endoscope and cleaning device
Data Source
AI summary
The present device is designed to enhance the efficiency of endoscopic surgeries by allowing for in situ cleaning of the lens via a combination of fluid flow and wiping mechanisms. By removing the need for intermittent halts in surgery, this device may provide a more seamless and fluid operation process, enhancing surgeon convenience and contributing to patient safety by providing a more consistent and clearer field of view for surgeons to operate in.