Endoscope Tip Accessory With Dimension Variability Compensation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Endoscopic procedures face challenges due to anatomical and technological limitations, such as tortuous body lumens and fragile endoscopes, which make it difficult to accurately visualize and navigate, leading to potential injuries and complications. Existing accessory devices struggle with maintaining attachment and detachment forces within a narrow range, making them sensitive to manufacturing tolerances and costly to produce.
Innovation Solution
An endoscope accessory assembly featuring a dimension-compensating component with flexible arms that deform to generate attachment and detachment forces, allowing for easier attachment and removal while accommodating variations in endoscope dimensions, and an accessory device with collapsible struts and webbing to facilitate visualization and navigation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If accessory devices rely on interference fit to attach to endoscope tip, then attachment force and detachment force are maintained, but manufacturing precision must be within a very narrow range making production costly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by incorporating a compressible material layer between the accessory device and endoscope tip. This material layer changes the mechanical parameters of the attachment interface, allowing for consistent attachment and detachment forces while accommodating broader manufacturing tolerances. The compressible material compensates for dimensional variations, eliminating the need for extremely tight tolerances in the rigid components.
2Reliability
If accessory devices are made with high attachment force, then they remain secured during procedure, but they may damage the fragile endoscope skin during manual attachment and removal
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements beforehand cushioning by placing a compressible material layer at the attachment interface before the accessory device contacts the endoscope tip. This cushioning layer absorbs the impact forces during manual attachment and removal, protecting the fragile endoscope skin from damage while still allowing the accessory device to achieve secure attachment through the compression of the material layer.
3Ease of operation
If accessory devices are made with low attachment force, then they are easy to attach and remove manually, but they may fall off unintentionally during the procedure
Solution Approach 1:
The compressible material layer changes the force-displacement characteristics of the attachment interface. It allows for low initial attachment force that is easy to apply manually, while the compression of the material creates sufficient friction and normal force to prevent unintentional detachment during the procedure. The material's elastic properties provide a progressive increase in attachment force as compression increases.
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 solution provides a flexible and cost-effective endoscope accessory assembly that reduces the risk of injury and improves visualization by maintaining consistent attachment and detachment forces, accommodating manufacturing tolerances, and ensuring safe and efficient endoscope handling.
Implementation Method 1
a dimension-compensating component with flexible arms that deform to generate attachment and detachment forces
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the disclosure include an endoscope accessory assembly for use on an endoscope, during procedures. The endoscope accessory assembly may comprise an accessory device comprising a first base, a plurality of flexible struts, and webbing connecting each of the flexible struts. The accessory device is configured to receive a distal end of an endoscope. The endoscope accessory assembly may further comprise a dimension-compensating component comprising a second base, a plurality of flexible arms extending radially out from the second base, and at least one chamber at a distal end of the flexible arms. The accessory device is configured to be over-molded onto the dimension-compensating component in order to form the endoscope accessory assembly.