Endoscope Insertion Aid with Thread Restraint for Intestinal Straightening
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional endoscope insertion aids face difficulties in securely holding and straightening intestinal tracts during endoscope insertion, leading to longer procedure times and potential patient discomfort due to inadequate balloon fixation and bending portion strength.
Innovation Solution
An endoscope insertion aid featuring a tubular member with a inflatable holding unit, a thread-like member, and a restraining member, where the thread-like member is fixed to restrict the tubular member's movement and the restraining member is used to hold the balloon at a desired position in the intestinal tract, allowing for effective hauling and straightening of the intestinal tract.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the bending portion or distal end portion is used to hold the intestinal tract, then the intestinal tract can be held to some extent, but the force is too weak to hold the intestinal tract securely, causing it to be pushed back
Solution Approach 1:
A thread-like member is introduced as an intermediary element between the tubular member and the insertion portion. This thread-like member can be wound around the insertion portion to securely hold the intestinal tract, providing sufficient holding force that neither the bending portion nor distal end portion could achieve alone. The thread-like member acts as a mediator that transfers and amplifies the holding force effectively.
Solution Approach 2:
The holding function is segmented into multiple components: the tubular member provides the basic structure, the thread-like member provides the securing mechanism, and the insertion portion provides the functional end. This segmentation allows each component to specialize in its function, with the thread-like member specifically optimized for secure holding of the intestinal tract.
2Reliability
If a balloon is inflated to hold the intestinal tract, then the intestinal tract can be fixed, but the tubular member may move backward relative to the insertion portion, reducing insertion effectiveness
Solution Approach 1:
The thread-like member is pre-positioned and connected to the tubular member before insertion. This preliminary arrangement ensures that when the balloon is inflated, the thread-like member is already in place to prevent backward movement of the tubular member, eliminating the need for corrective actions during the procedure.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical connection between the tubular member and insertion portion is replaced with a thread-like restraint system. Instead of relying on rigid mechanical coupling that may slip or move, the thread-like member provides a flexible but secure restraint that prevents backward movement while allowing controlled movement during insertion.
3Ease of operation
If the intestinal tract is hauled in by pressing the bending portion or distal end portion against the inner wall, then some holding effect is achieved, but the force is insufficient and the tract is pushed back
Solution Approach 1:
The thread-like member serves as an intermediary that enhances the holding capability. When the bending portion or distal end portion presses against the inner wall, the thread-like member reinforces this action by providing additional circumferential restraint, ensuring the intestinal tract remains securely held without requiring excessive force.
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 smoother and more efficient insertion of the endoscope by securely holding the intestinal tract, reducing procedure time and minimizing patient discomfort through improved balloon fixation and straightening capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
a holding unit which, being provided on an outer peripheral side of the tubular member, can be inflated and deflated with supply and discharge of a fluid
Data Source
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AI summary
An endoscope insertion aid includes: a tubular member which allows an insertion portion of an endoscope to be passed through in a manner being capable of moving forward and backward. A holding unit, which is provided on an outer peripheral side of the tubular member, can be inflated and deflated. A thread-like member, which is connected at one end to the tubular member and passed at the other end into a channel, extends from an opening of the channel. A thread-like member fixing unit which restrains the thread-like member and thereby restricts movement of the tubular member. A restraining member which supplies and discharges the fluid into/from the holding unit, being disposed to the insertion portion, being connected at one end to the tubular member, extends at the other end to the proximal end side of the insertion portion. A restraining member fixing unit which holds the tubular member.