Endoscope Treatment Instrument Lifting Adjusting Portion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing endoscopes face challenges in efficiently changing the direction of treatment instruments without compromising the ultrasound probe or fluid feeding mechanisms, limiting their versatility and ease of use during procedures.
Innovation Solution
An endoscope design featuring a flexible tube and adjustable exit member with a lifting mechanism that changes the tilt angle of the treatment instrument guiding-out path, allowing for precise control of the treatment instrument's direction without interfering with the ultrasound probe or fluid feeding systems, and facilitating easy cleaning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a forceps lifting mechanism is used to change the bent angle of a treatment instrument, then the protruding direction can be largely changed without contacting the ultrasound probe, but the mechanism may interfere with the ultrasound probe or fluid feeding systems
Solution Approach 1:
The treatment instrument guiding-out path is segmented into multiple sections with independent tilt adjustment capabilities. The distal end portion can be tilted independently from other sections, allowing direction control without affecting the ultrasound probe or fluid feeding systems located in other segments of the endoscope.
Solution Approach 2:
The treatment instrument guiding-out path incorporates dynamic tilt adjustment mechanisms that allow real-time change of protruding direction. The tilt angle can be adjusted within a predetermined range to achieve precise directional control while maintaining compatibility with other endoscope functions.
2Measurement precision
If the treatment instrument guiding-out path is made rigid for precise directional control, then the protruding direction can be accurately controlled, but the endoscope loses flexibility and ease of cleaning
Solution Approach 1:
Different sections of the treatment instrument guiding-out path have different rigidity characteristics. The section requiring precise directional control has higher rigidity, while other sections maintain flexibility for ease of cleaning and adaptation to body cavities. This localized differentiation of mechanical properties resolves the contradiction between precision and flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The guiding-out path incorporates adjustable tilt mechanisms that provide rigid directional control when needed, while maintaining the overall flexibility of the endoscope for navigation and cleaning. The dynamic adjustment capability allows transition between rigid control and flexible adaptation.
3Productivity
If the exit member is made detachable for easy cleaning, then cleaning efficiency is improved, but the liquid-tight connection may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The exit member is designed as a detachable component that can be separated from the treatment instrument guiding-out path for cleaning. The segmentation allows the exit member to be removed and cleaned separately, improving cleaning efficiency while maintaining liquid-tight connection when assembled.
Solution Approach 2:
A specialized connection structure acts as an intermediary between the exit member and the guiding-out path. This intermediary mechanism ensures liquid-tight sealing when connected while allowing easy detachment for cleaning purposes.
Data Source
AI summary
A treatment instrument lifting adjusting portion including a lifting member and an operation wire is disposed outside of a treatment instrument guiding-out path including an exit member and a tube in a distal end portion. Thus, cleaning work can be performed by inserting, for example, a brush into the treatment instrument guiding-out path, and is easily performed similarly to an endoscope of a type having no treatment instrument lifting function.