Ultrasonic Endoscope Distal Tip Layout for Easier Erecting Base Cleaning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ultrasonic endoscopes face difficulties in cleaning the erecting base and surrounding parts due to the irremovable distal end cap, necessitating complex cleaning procedures through openings in the erecting base housing.
Innovation Solution
Incorporation of a cleaning communication hole on the opposite side of the erecting base housing opening, along with strategic positioning of the observation window, signal cables, and erecting base housing portion to facilitate easy cleaning and maintain visibility during treatment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the distal end cap is made irremovable to ensure liquid-tight sealing for the ultrasonic vibrator, then the reliability of the ultrasonic transducer is improved, but the ease of cleaning the erecting base and surrounding parts deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The erecting base housing portion is divided into multiple surfaces, with the cleaning communication hole provided on the side opposite to the opening. This segmentation allows cleaning access to the back surface of the erecting base without compromising the liquid-tight distal end cap structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning communication hole acts as an intermediary pathway that enables cleaning tools to reach the back surface of the erecting base. This mediator structure allows cleaning functionality without requiring removal of the distal end cap, thus maintaining the liquid-tight seal while improving cleanability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the opening of the erecting base housing is positioned for treatment tool lead-out, then the functionality of the treatment tool is improved, but the accessibility for cleaning the back surface of the erecting base deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of providing cleaning access only from the same side as the opening (two-dimensional access), the cleaning communication hole is positioned on the opposite side of the housing, creating three-dimensional cleaning accessibility. This allows cleaning tools to approach the erecting base from multiple directions.
Solution Approach 2:
Rather than providing cleaning access through the same opening used for treatment tool lead-out, the invention inverts the approach by providing a separate cleaning communication hole on the opposite side of the housing, enabling independent cleaning access without interfering with treatment tool functionality.
3Illumination intensity
If the observation window is positioned to maintain visibility during treatment, then the operational visibility is improved, but the complexity of positioning multiple components (observation window, signal cables, erecting base housing) increases
Solution Approach 1:
The distal end portion body serves multiple functions: it houses the observation window for visibility, provides pathways for signal cables, and contains the erecting base housing for treatment tool manipulation. By making the housing structure multi-functional, the invention reduces overall device complexity while maintaining operational visibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The observation window, signal cable pathways, and erecting base housing are merged into a single integrated distal end portion body. This consolidation reduces the number of separate components and simplifies positioning, while the strategic placement of the opening and cleaning communication hole ensures both visibility and cleanability.
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
Enhances the ease of cleaning the erecting base and surrounding parts by allowing direct access through the cleaning communication hole while maintaining clear visibility and reducing horizontal displacement of treatment tools.
Implementation Method 1
an ultrasonic transducer that has an ultrasonic vibrator
Data Source
AI summary
An ultrasonic endoscope includes: an ultrasonic transducer having an ultrasonic vibrator; a distal end portion body disposed continuously with a proximal end side of the ultrasonic transducer; an erecting base housing portion that is disposed in the distal end portion body and has an opening which opens toward one side in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the distal end portion body; a treatment tool lead-out port that communicates with the inside of the erecting base housing portion; an erecting base that is disposed in the inside of the erecting base housing portion and changes a lead out direction of a treatment tool led out from the treatment tool lead-out port; and a cleaning communication hole that is formed in a wall surface on a side opposite to a side where the opening of the erecting base housing portion is disposed and communicates with an outside.