Endoscope Over-tube Axial Locking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional over-tube devices for endoscopes face challenges in allowing free extraction and insertion within a limited range while maintaining rotation ability, and preventing unintended withdrawal during medical procedures, particularly in digestive tract lumens like the stomach and esophagus.
Innovation Solution
An over-tube device with a tube body that includes a stopper ring and a rotation lock ring, which can slide axially and connect to a bite block, allowing for controlled insertion and extraction while maintaining rotation capability, and featuring a second channel for treatment tools with degassing prevention mechanisms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the over-tube is fixed to a bite block to prevent withdrawal, then the over-tube cannot be accidentally removed, but the over-tube cannot be freely extracted and inserted within a limited range
Solution Approach 1:
The rotation lock ring is designed to slide axially along the tube body, transitioning between a locked position (where the hook engages the stopper ring) and an unlocked position (where the hook disengages). This dynamic mechanism allows the over-tube to be securely fixed during rotation operations while enabling controlled extraction and insertion when needed, resolving the contradiction between reliability and ease of operation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the over-tube is made rotatable around the endoscope, then new endoscopic therapies can be performed, but the over-tube may be excessively inserted or fall out of the patient
Solution Approach 1:
The stopper ring is pre-positioned on the tube body at a specific location, and the rotation lock ring with its hook is designed to engage with this stopper ring. This preliminary arrangement establishes a mechanical stop that prevents excessive insertion before rotation operations begin, ensuring the over-tube remains within safe depth limits while maintaining the desired rotation capability.
3Reliability
If a fixing mechanism combining bite block and over-tube is used, then the over-tube is secured, but adequate insertion and movement into the lumen cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The fixing mechanism is segmented into distinct functional components: the bite block for oral anchoring, the stopper ring for depth limitation, and the rotation lock ring for controlled engagement/disengagement. This segmentation allows the over-tube to be securely fixed at the mouth while maintaining adequate insertion depth and movement range within the lumen, as each component performs its specific function without interfering with the others.
Data Source
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AI summary
Provided is an over-tube device for endoscopes, whereby the revolving properties of the over-tube can be maintained, the over-tube can be freely removed or inserted within a limited range, and insertion or removal of the over-tube within a range not intended by a technician is prevented. This over-tube for endoscopes comprises: a tube main body having smooth outer surface so as to be capable of revolving within the lumen of a patient and comprising a channel for inserting an endoscope internally; a stopper ring attached so as to encircle the side section of the tube main body; and a rotating lock ring attached so as to encircle the side section of the tube main body and cover the stopper ring, that is capable of sliding in the axial direction of the tube main body. The rotating lock ring comprises : a connection section for connecting to a bite block; and a hook extending from a base and capable of engaging on a proximal-end side of the stopper ring.