Endoscope Tool Coupling for Precision Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing endoscope systems lack a reliable method to precisely position and maintain surgical tools relative to the endoscope, especially when there are variations in tool and endoscope lengths, which can lead to loss of precision during surgical procedures.
Innovation Solution
An endoscope tool coupling system that includes an adjustable and lockable mechanism to support surgical tools, allowing for precise positioning and preload application, enabling the tool to be securely maintained at desired locations relative to the endoscope, accommodating differences in lengths and facilitating easy tool exchange without altering length adjustments or preloads.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a fixed coupling system is used to mount surgical tools to an endoscope, then the structure is simple, but the ability to precisely position and maintain the distal end of the surgical tool at different positions is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling system incorporates an adjustable tool mount that can be repositioned along the coupling body to different locked positions, transforming a fixed structure into a dynamic one that adapts to different surgical tool lengths and positioning requirements while maintaining structural integrity through locking mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling system is divided into separable components including the coupling body, adjustable tool mount, and locking mechanism, allowing independent optimization of each component's function while enabling precise positioning through the interaction of segmented parts
2Adaptability or versatility
If the tool coupling is designed to accommodate various surgical tools with different lengths, then the adaptability is improved, but the complexity of the coupling mechanism increases
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling body is designed with a universal interface that accepts different surgical tools through a standardized mounting mechanism, while the adjustable tool mount provides additional versatility to accommodate varying tool lengths and positioning requirements without requiring multiple specialized couplings
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustable and lockable tool mount allows the same coupling body to adapt to different surgical tool configurations by enabling repositioning and locking at various positions, providing versatility without requiring multiple specialized coupling mechanisms
3Measurement precision
If manual adjustment of tool position is required for each procedure, then the precision can be optimized, but the time consumption and operational complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The tool mount is pre-configured with multiple locked positions that can be selected before the surgical procedure begins, allowing the surgeon to pre-determine the optimal position based on the specific tool and procedure requirements, eliminating the need for manual adjustment during the procedure
Data Source
AI summary
An endoscope tool coupling that facilitates the placement and positioning of a surgical tool within an endoscope. The tool coupling may be configured to accommodate differences in lengths between the surgical tool and the endoscope, which may allow a user to precisely position and maintain the distal end of a surgical tool in a desired location relative to the distal end of the endoscope despite differences and variations in lengths. The tool coupling may have an adjustable configuration to accommodate variations in tool and/or endoscope lengths. The tool coupling employ an arrangement that allows a user to easily increase or decrease the length of the coupling, such as by using a telescoping arrangement. A locking arrangement or mechanism may be provided to secure the coupling in a selected configuration for maintaining the surgical tool in a desired location relative to the endoscope. The tool coupling may be configured to generate a preload on the surgical tool when the tool is positioned in a desired location relative to the endoscope. The tool coupling may be configured to allow for the withdrawal and reintroduction of the same or a similar surgical tool without changing or impacting the original length adjustment and/or preload for the particular tool/endoscope arrangement. The tool coupling may be configured as a separate device that can be attached to various endoscopes, or the tool coupling may be an integrated component of the endoscope.