Endoscope Tip Rigidity Layout for Insertion Force Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Endoscopic insertion operations are skill-dependent and can impose excessive force on the subject, leading to potential harm, as direct visual recognition of the organ's complex arrangement is impossible, and the skill of the operator affects the stability of the pressing force applied during insertion.
Innovation Solution
An endoscope with pressure sensors and a distal-end region having varying rigidities, including a first region with higher rigidity covered by pressure-sensitive portions and a second region with lower rigidity, coupled with an endoscope cap and processor for automatic control of insertion direction and force based on sensor output.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the distal-end constituting portion is pressed against the inner wall portion with excessive force during insertion operation, then the insertion operation can be performed, but a burden is imposed on the subject and the organ is likely to be affected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where pressure sensors detect the pressing force applied to the organ during insertion operation, and this information is fed back to the operator or control system to automatically adjust the insertion force, preventing excessive force application and potential damage to the organ
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical control of insertion force with an automated control system that uses pressure sensors and control algorithms to precisely regulate the pressing force, substituting operator skill-based mechanical control with an automated feedback-controlled mechanical system
2Productivity
If the insertion operation is performed by inserting an insertion portion into an organ whose arrangement is complicated and direct visual recognition is impossible, then the endoscopy can be performed, but the insertion operation tends to be affected by the skill of the operator
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses pressure sensors to provide real-time feedback on the insertion force, enabling consistent and reliable insertion operations that are not dependent on operator skill, as the system automatically monitors and regulates the pressing force throughout the procedure
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-regulation of insertion force through automated control based on pressure sensor feedback, making the insertion operation independent of operator skill and ensuring consistent performance across different operators
3Measurement precision
If pressure sensors are arranged inside the distal-end region to detect pressing force, then the pressing force can be detected, but the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates pressure sensors into the existing distal-end constituting portion structure, allowing the same component to serve both structural and sensing functions, thereby minimizing additional complexity while achieving precise pressing force detection
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 precise detection and control of insertion force, reducing the risk of excessive pressure on the subject and improving the stability and operability of endoscopic procedures by providing real-time feedback and automatic force management.
Implementation Method 1
pressure sensors including pressure-sensitive portions, respectively
Data Source
AI summary
An endoscope includes pressure sensors including respective pressure-sensitive portions. The endoscope further includes an insertion portion including a distal-end region where the pressure sensors are arranged inside the distal-end region. The distal-end region includes a first region covering the pressure-sensitive portions and having a first rigidity higher than a second rigidity, and a second region including an outer surface of the insertion portion and having the second rigidity.