Endoscope Resilient Collar Mounting and Removal Tool
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current endoscope systems lack efficient methods for mounting and dismounting resilient outer tubular articles and auxiliary assemblies without causing damage to the endoscope, particularly when access to the end of the endoscope is limited.
Innovation Solution
The development of an expander system with a chassis element, movable driver, and engagement elements that allow for the selective expansion and disengagement of resilient outer tubular articles over elongate articles, including a hand-held collar cutting tool for safe removal of auxiliary assemblies, and a double-balloon auxiliary endoscope assembly with inflatable volumes for secure mounting on conventional endoscopes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional mounting methods are used for resilient outer tubular articles on endoscopes, then the mounting process is simple, but damage to the endoscope may occur and secure mounting cannot be guaranteed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediate mounting assembly comprising a resilient outer tubular article with engagement elements that interface between the endoscope and the auxiliary assembly. This intermediary structure distributes mechanical stresses and prevents direct contact between potentially damaging components, thereby securing the mounting while protecting the endoscope from damage
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting system is divided into separate functional segments: the resilient outer tubular article, the engagement elements, and the auxiliary assembly. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, enabling secure mounting through coordinated interaction of segments while isolating the endoscope from harmful mechanical stresses
2Ease of operation
If access to the end of the endoscope is limited, then mounting operations become difficult, but traditional methods require full access to the end
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of requiring access to the end of the endoscope for mounting, the patent inverts the approach by allowing mounting operations to be performed from the exterior. The resilient outer tubular article can be expanded and engaged with the endoscope body without needing to access the distal end, enabling mounting even when the end is inaccessible
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from axial mounting (requiring end access) to radial mounting (using outward expansion). The resilient outer tubular article is expanded radially to engage with the endoscope body, allowing mounting operations to be performed from the exterior without needing to access the distal end of the endoscope
3Adaptability or versatility
If resilient outer tubular articles are used for mounting, then flexibility and adaptability are improved, but secure engagement and stability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The resilient outer tubular article is constructed as a composite structure combining resilient material with integrated engagement elements. This composite design allows the article to maintain flexibility for adaptation while the engagement elements provide rigid, stable connection points that ensure secure engagement with the endoscope and auxiliary assembly
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different local qualities to different parts of the resilient outer tubular article: the main body remains resilient and flexible for adaptation, while specific engagement elements are designed with rigid, interlocking features. This local differentiation allows the article to simultaneously provide flexibility for mounting on various endoscopes and stable engagement through the specialized engagement elements
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
Enables secure and damage-free mounting and dismounting of resilient outer tubular articles and auxiliary assemblies on endoscopes, even without access to the endoscope's end, while providing a secure and flexible mounting solution using inflatable balloons for enhanced stability during procedures.
Implementation Method 1
an overtube balloon mounted on the overtube sleeve and together therewith defining a rearward inflatable volume
Data Source
AI summary
An assembly including an endoscope having an external surface, an auxiliary endoscope assembly having a resilient collar portion mounted onto the endoscope and a hand-held collar cutting tool for removal of the auxiliary endoscope assembly having a resilient collar portion from the endoscope, the cutting tool including a hand-held collar cutting tool body portion, a cutting edge associated with the cutting tool body portion and adapted for cutting the resilient collar portion and a spacer portion protruding from the hand-held collar cutting tool body portion, the spacer portion being adapted for insertion between the resilient collar portion and the endoscope for spacing the endoscope from the resilient collar portion and from the cutting edge, the spacer portion being softer than the external surface of the endoscope.