Endoscope Manipulating Unit for Therapeutic Instrument Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional endoscope systems face difficulties in efficiently inserting and maneuvering therapeutic instruments due to the need for manual handling, which can lead to labor-intensive operations and challenges in maintaining the tip of the insertion tube near the lesion, especially with the influence of peristaltic motions in body cavities.

Innovation Solution

An endoscope system with a manipulating unit that allows for manual control of therapeutic instruments along the insertion tube, enabling operators to hold the insertion tube in place while using the manipulating unit to perform operations, reducing the need for manual handling and improving precision.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If manual handling is used to insert and maneuver therapeutic instruments, then the operator can directly control the instrument, but the operation becomes labor-intensive and difficult to maintain precision

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of insertion and maneuveringVSAvoidoperational efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

A manipulating unit is introduced as an intermediary device between the operator and the therapeutic instrument. This unit includes a manipulating member that can be operated by the operator to automatically maneuver the therapeutic instrument through the insertion tube, eliminating the need for direct manual handling while maintaining precise control. The manipulating unit acts as a mediator that translates operator inputs into automated instrument movements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If the operator holds the insertion tube to maintain the distal section near the lesion, then the position can be controlled, but the operator cannot simultaneously perform subtle inserting operations with the therapeutic instrument

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveposition control precisionVSAvoidability to perform subtle inserting operations

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system is segmented into separate functional components: the insertion tube for positioning, the manipulating unit for control, and the therapeutic instrument for treatment. The manipulating unit is detachably attached to the insertion tube, allowing the operator to hold the insertion tube steady while using the manipulating unit to perform subtle inserting operations of the therapeutic instrument through the insertion tube channel.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The manipulating unit serves as an intermediary that enables the operator to perform subtle inserting operations without directly holding the therapeutic instrument. The manipulating member of this unit can be operated to automatically advance or retract the therapeutic instrument through the insertion tube, allowing precise control while the operator maintains hold of the insertion tube.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Productivity

If the therapeutic instrument is inserted through the therapeutic-instrument channel, then the instrument can reach the lesion, but the operator must release the insertion tube to handle the therapeutic member

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetreatment capabilityVSAvoidhands-free operation capability

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The manipulating unit is an intermediary device that allows the operator to control the therapeutic instrument without holding it directly. The manipulating member can be operated by the operator's hand while the insertion tube remains held steady, enabling hands-free operation of the therapeutic instrument's inserting and manipulating functions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

Direct manual mechanical handling of the therapeutic instrument is replaced by an automated manipulation system. The manipulating unit uses mechanical mechanisms to advance, retract, and position the therapeutic instrument based on operator input, substituting the need for direct hand manipulation with an automated system that frees the operator's hand.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS7871371B2Endoscope system equipped with manipulating unit for commanding medical therapy to endoscope and medical instrument attached thereto

Publication Date: 2011.01.18 OLYMPUS CORPORATION(JP)

AI summary

An endoscope system comprises an endoscope, manipulating unit, and controlling unit. The endoscope is equipped with an elongated and flexible insertion tube being inserted into an object being examined and formed to be used in combination with a therapeutic instrument. The insertion tube has a distal section accommodating therein at least an optical system for imaging and presenting a longitudinal direction. The manipulating unit is manually manipulated for commanding operations of at least the therapeutic instrument and formed to be loaded to the insertion tube and slidable along the insertion tube in the longitudinal direction thereof. The controlling unit controls at least the therapeutic instrument based on a command from the manipulating unit.