Disposable Endoscope Sheath with Segmented Flexibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current endoscope covers lack flexibility and adaptability to accommodate articulating distal ends, and they do not provide adequate sterility or additional functionalities like fluid management and expanded fields of view.
Innovation Solution
A disposable sterile sheath with a flexible distal region and a rigid proximal region, featuring a lock mechanism, channels for fluid management, and focusing components to enhance the endoscope's field of view and illumination, allowing for seamless integration with articulating endoscopes and providing sterility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a rigid endoscope cover is used, then structural strength and stability are improved, but flexibility and adaptability to articulating distal ends deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The endoscope cover is divided into two distinct segments: a proximal rigid portion providing structural strength and a distal flexible portion accommodating articulation. This segmentation allows each portion to have optimized properties for its specific function, resolving the contradiction between overall structural strength and distal flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the cover have different mechanical properties: the proximal portion is rigid while the distal portion is flexible. This local differentiation of material properties or structural characteristics allows the cover to simultaneously provide structural support and adapt to articulating movements at the distal end.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a disposable sterile sheath is used, then sterility and hygiene are improved, but device complexity and functionality deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The disposable sheath is designed to perform multiple functions: providing sterility protection, accommodating articulation, maintaining optical alignment, and supporting fluid channels. By integrating these functions into a single disposable component, the solution achieves sterility without requiring multiple separate devices that would increase complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The sheath is designed as a disposable, single-use component that is discarded after the procedure. This eliminates the need for complex cleaning, sterilization, and maintenance systems, achieving sterility through the disposable nature rather than through complex reusable systems.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the distal region is made flexible to allow deflection, then adaptability to articulation is improved, but structural stability and contact precision deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The sheath is segmented into a rigid proximal portion and a flexible distal portion. The rigid portion maintains stable contact and precise positioning, while the flexible distal portion accommodates deflection. This segmentation allows the system to simultaneously achieve both stability and adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The distal portion of the sheath is constructed from flexible material that can deflect with the endoscope while maintaining sufficient structural integrity to preserve contact with the distal tip. The flexibility allows articulation accommodation, while the material properties maintain adequate contact stability.
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
The sheath ensures proper contact with the endoscope lens, maintains sterility, and enhances the endoscope's functionality by allowing deflection and providing expanded fields of view and fluid management capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
the closed distal tip of the distal region of the sheath comprises at least one lens. For example, the lens may be adapted modify the field of view of an image sensor or optical waveguide in the endoscope
Implementation Method 2
The flexible thin-wall sleeve is configured to allow deflection of said distal region in cooperation with an articulating distal end of an endoscope
Data Source
AI summary
A disposable cover for use with an endoscope includes an elongated sheath having and having an open proximal end and a closed distal end. A channel extends along a central axis of the sheath from the open proximal end to the closed distal end, and the channel is configured to accommodate insertion of an endoscope. A proximal region of the sheath is formed as a rigid thin-wall sleeve and a distal region of the sheath is formed as a flexible thin-wall sleeve. The flexible thin-wall sleeve is configured to allow deflection of said distal region in cooperation with an articulating distal end of an endoscope.