Endoscope Tip With Monolithic Elevator for Low-Cost ERCP Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Elevator assemblies in side viewing endoscopes for ERCP procedures are complex and costly to manufacture and maintain, necessitating a simpler design to reduce costs and eliminate infection risks associated with reuse.
Innovation Solution
A simplified endoscope tip design featuring a monolithic polymer elevator with a cantilevered, thin proximal portion and thick distal portion, actuated by a control wire mechanism, allowing deflection without distal bending, and a single-piece construction for ease of assembly and maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a complex elevator assembly design is used, then the instrument positioning function is achieved, but the manufacturing and maintenance costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the elevator assembly with the tip structure into an integrated unit. The elevator is formed as a single piece with the tip, eliminating the need for separate components and complex assembly mechanisms. This merging approach maintains the instrument positioning function while significantly reducing structural complexity and manufacturing costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The tip structure serves multiple functions: it provides the elevator mechanism for instrument positioning, maintains structural integrity, and facilitates control wire passage. By designing the tip to perform multiple functions simultaneously, the patent reduces the need for separate specialized components, thereby simplifying the overall elevator assembly design.
2Reliability
If a complex elevator assembly design is used, then the instrument positioning function is achieved, but the maintenance costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating the elevator assembly with the tip into a single structural unit, the patent eliminates multiple interfaces and connection points that would require maintenance. The single-piece construction means there are no separate parts to wear out, loosen, or require replacement, significantly reducing maintenance needs and costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The simplified elevator assembly design is suitable for disposable endoscopes. By creating a simple, integrated structure that can be manufactured inexpensively, the patent enables single-use applications where the entire tip assembly can be discarded after one use, eliminating all maintenance requirements and associated costs.
3Ease of manufacture
If the endoscope is designed for reuse, then the initial cost is reduced, but the infection risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the endoscope tip with a simplified, cost-effective structure that enables disposable use. By reducing manufacturing complexity and cost through the integrated elevator design, the endoscope can be affordably manufactured as a single-use device, eliminating infection risks associated with reuse while keeping the initial cost acceptable.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the economic parameter of the endoscope from a reusable high-cost model to a disposable low-cost model. By simplifying the elevator assembly design, the manufacturing cost per unit is reduced enough to justify single-use applications, thereby transforming the cost-benefit analysis to favor disposable use and eliminate infection risks.
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 design reduces manufacturing and maintenance costs, enabling single-use endoscopes and minimizing infection risks through a cost-effective, durable, and efficient instrument positioning system.
Implementation Method 1
A force exerted on the elevator bends the proximal portion to deflect the distal portion without bending of the distal portion
Data Source
AI summary
In one aspect of the present disclosure, a device may include a shaft having a distal end, and a tip at the distal end of the shaft. The tip may include an opening defined by a surface of the tip. An instrument inserted through the shaft may extend distally out of the opening. The device also may include an elevator for engaging the instrument. The elevator may include a proximal end fixed relative to the surface of the tip, a proximal portion extending distally from the proximal end, and a distal portion extending distally from the proximal portion. A force exerted on the elevator bends the proximal portion to deflect the distal portion without bending of the distal portion.