Endoscope Medical Instrument Sheath Torsional Stress Absorption
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional endoscopes require manual insertion and manipulation of treatment instruments, which is time-consuming, labor-intensive, and prone to torsional stress that can lead to sheath breakage during twisting operations.
Innovation Solution
An endoscope system with a medical instrument featuring a sheath composed of a rigid and flexible portion, where the rigid portion is designed to absorb torsional stresses, and a motor-driven apparatus for precise control of the sheath's movement and operation, allowing for easier and safer manipulation within the body cavity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual insertion and manipulation of treatment instruments is used, then the surgeon has direct control over the instrument, but the process becomes time-consuming and labor-intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical manipulation with an automated insertion/withdrawal apparatus that uses motors and drive mechanisms to insert and withdraw the treatment instrument through the endoscope channel, eliminating the need for manual insertion while maintaining surgical control
Solution Approach 2:
The treatment instrument insertion/withdrawal apparatus is integrated into the endoscope system, allowing the system to perform its own instrument handling functions automatically without requiring separate manual operations by the surgeon
2Stability of the object's composition
If the treatment instrument sheath is made rigid for structural stability, then the instrument maintains its shape, but torsional stresses during twisting operations can lead to sheath breakage
Solution Approach 1:
The sheath is designed with different structural properties at different locations - the distal portion near the treating portion has higher flexibility to absorb torsional stresses, while the proximal portion maintains sufficient rigidity for structural support, creating a gradient of mechanical properties along the sheath length
Solution Approach 2:
The sheath is constructed as a composite structure combining materials or structural configurations that provide both rigidity and flexibility, allowing it to resist breakage from torsional stresses while maintaining the necessary structural integrity for instrument delivery
3Length of moving object
If the treatment instrument is made long to reach deep body cavities, then the treating portion can access distant areas, but the insertion becomes more difficult and requires closer attention
Solution Approach 1:
The automated insertion apparatus uses motorized drive mechanisms to propel the long treatment instrument through the endoscope channel, replacing manual insertion and reducing the skill and attention required for inserting lengthy instruments into deep body cavities
Data Source
AI summary
An endoscope system according to the present invention includes: an endoscope equipped with a long insertion portion; a medical instrument which includes a treating portion installed in a distal part and used to perform various treatments in a body cavity and a long sheath including a rigid portion with predetermined flexibility and a flexible portion more flexible than the rigid portion, the rigid portion and flexible portion being installed consecutively starting from a distal side, where the sheath is inserted in a channel of the insertion portion of the endoscope; an operation instruction apparatus used to give commands regarding operation of the medical instrument; a first medical instrument drive apparatus which operates the treating portion of the medical instrument; and a second medical instrument drive apparatus which moves the sheath forward and backward.