Endoscope and Treatment Tool Interlocking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
In endoscopic surgery, it is challenging for a single operator to simultaneously operate an endoscope and multiple treatment tools, leading to difficulties in changing the observation position and potentially prolonging surgery time, as well as complicating the procedure due to the need for an assistant to manage the endoscope.
Innovation Solution
A surgical apparatus that integrates an endoscope and a treatment tool within an outer tube, featuring an interlocking mechanism allowing the endoscope to move forward and backward in sync with the treatment tool, and includes a control device with zooming means to adjust the image size and range observed, using detecting and switching mechanisms to prevent unintentional zoom operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If an endoscope and treatment tool are integrated in an outer tube with interlocking movement, then the number of incisions is reduced and operation is simplified, but the relative position between endoscope and treatment tool varies causing image size changes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a dynamic mechanism where the interlocking member can be in different engagement states (engaged or disengaged) based on the relative position between endoscope and treatment tool. When disengaged, the system allows independent movement of each component; when engaged, it synchronizes their movement to maintain stable image size. This dynamic state change resolves the contradiction between operational flexibility and image stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the mechanical coupling parameter of the interlocking member between engaged and disengaged states. By controlling whether the interlocking member is engaged or disengaged, the system can switch between synchronized movement (maintaining image size) and independent movement (allowing operational flexibility), thus resolving the contradiction between image stability and operational simplicity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the interlocking member is disengaged to allow independent movement of endoscope and treatment tool, then operational flexibility is improved, but the relative position varies causing unwanted image size changes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a detection mechanism that monitors the relative position between the endoscope and treatment tool, and provides feedback to control the engagement state of the interlocking member. When the relative position exceeds a threshold (indicating independent movement), the system engages the interlocking member to maintain image size stability. This feedback control resolves the contradiction by automatically adjusting the coupling state based on operational needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the engagement parameter of the interlocking member based on the relative position between components. When the relative position is within a predetermined range, the interlocking member remains engaged to maintain image size consistency. When the relative position exceeds this range, the system disengages the interlocking member to allow independent movement, thus resolving the contradiction between image stability and operational flexibility.
3Manufacturing precision
If the interlocking member is engaged to maintain stable relative position, then image size stability is improved, but the ability to independently adjust endoscope and treatment tool is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a dynamic engagement mechanism where the interlocking member can switch between engaged and disengaged states. When engaged, it maintains stable relative position for consistent imaging. When disengaged, it allows independent adjustment of endoscope and treatment tool. This dynamic state change enables the system to adapt between stability and flexibility as needed, resolving the contradiction between position stability and adjustment flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a detection mechanism to monitor the relative position between endoscope and treatment tool, providing feedback to control the interlocking member's engagement state. When the relative position is stable within a threshold, the system maintains engagement for imaging stability. When adjustment is needed beyond the threshold, the system disengages the interlocking member to allow flexible adjustment, thus resolving the contradiction between stability and flexibility through intelligent control.
4Productivity
If a single operator operates both endoscope and treatment tool, then productivity is improved, but the complexity of coordinating observation position changes increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the control of endoscope and treatment tool into a single integrated system. By coupling their movements through the interlocking member, a single operator can control both tools simultaneously without complex coordination. The integrated design allows one operator to manage both observation and treatment functions, improving productivity while reducing coordination complexity through unified control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal control system where the interlocking member serves multiple functions: it couples the movement of endoscope and treatment tool, maintains stable relative position for imaging, and enables single-operator control. This multi-functional mechanism allows one operator to perform both observation and treatment operations efficiently, improving productivity while simplifying the coordination burden through integrated design.
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a surgical apparatus for an endoscope with which an operator can change, as desired, the size of an image of a site to be observed that appears in an endoscopic image obtained by an endoscope or the size of the range of the site to be observed. An image processing unit (zooming means) of a processor device changes a zoom magnification factor of an endoscopic image from an endoscope through electronic zooming on the basis of the operation of a foot switch. In the non-sensing region of the slider, the activation and deactivation of the zooming operation by the foot switch are switched according to a relative position of a distal end of the endoscope with respect to a distal end of the treatment tool.