Endoscopic Torque Sheath with Reusable Shape-Lock
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a challenge in designing endoscopic systems that effectively combine reusable and disposable components with modular functional capabilities, allowing for versatility and cost-effectiveness in endoscopic procedures, while maintaining sterility and safety.
Innovation Solution
The endoscopic system comprises a combination of a reusable shapelocking assembly and a disposable assembly, with the disposable assembly acting as a barrier against body fluids and providing structural support, and includes a flexible tubular body with braided reinforcement for improved torque transmission, along with a steering mechanism and tool locking system for precise control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a shapelocking assembly with multiple precision components is used, then the endoscopic system can provide shapelocking capability, but the system becomes more expensive and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The endoscopic system is divided into modular components: a reusable shapelocking assembly and a disposable shaft assembly. This segmentation allows the complex shapelocking mechanism to be isolated in a reusable unit while the disposable shaft provides simplicity and cost-effectiveness for single-use procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The shapelocking assembly is designed as a universal reusable component that can be paired with different disposable shaft assemblies, allowing the complex mechanism to serve multiple procedures and applications while the disposable portions remain simple and procedure-specific.
2Reliability
If a disposable assembly is used, then the reusable assembly remains sterile and cost-effective, but the system lacks versatility for different procedure types
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates sterile/disposable functions (shaft, sheath, tip) from reusable functions (shapelocking assembly, controls), allowing the disposable portion to maintain sterility while the reusable portion provides consistent procedural capabilities across multiple uses.
Solution Approach 2:
The shaft assembly is designed as a disposable component that is inexpensive enough for single-use but provides sufficient functionality for various procedures, eliminating the need to sterilize expensive reusable components while maintaining adequate procedural versatility.
3Ease of operation
If the shaft is made flexible for ease of insertion, then the endoscope can navigate body passages, but torque transmission from control mechanisms deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The shaft employs a composite construction combining flexible materials with torque-transmitting elements such as braided reinforcement or internal rigidizable structures, allowing the shaft to remain flexible for navigation while maintaining adequate torque transmission from the control mechanisms.
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple assemblies are combined to provide modular functionality, then the system becomes versatile and cost-effective, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system is segmented into two main assemblies (shapelocking assembly and disposable shaft assembly) that connect through standardized interfaces, providing modular versatility without excessive complexity. Each assembly is independently manufacturable and can be sterilized or disposed of separately.
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
This configuration enables versatile, cost-effective, and safe endoscopic systems that can be adapted for various procedures, maintaining sterility and providing reliable performance with the reusable assembly and disposable components.
Implementation Method 1
Each of the outer and inner layers comprises a braided or woven reinforcement material adapted to provide improved torque transmission
Data Source
AI summary
An endoscopic system includes a sheath having a flexible sheath body. A tip is attached to a distal end of the sheath body. A handle is attached to the proximal end of the sheath body. A steerable section may be provided in the sheath adjacent to the tip. Steering controls may then be provided on the handle for steering the steerable section. Lumens extend from the tip to the handle. The distal end of each lumen is sealed to the tip. Bodily fluids can only enter into the lumens and not other areas within the sheath. In some embodiments, a shapelock assembly has an elongated hollow body positionable within the sheath body. The shapelock body may be switched between generally rigid and flexible conditions. The sheath provides a sterile barrier around the shapelock body. The shapelock assembly can be readily reused and the sheath may be disposable. In other embodiments, the flexible sheath has a composite construction that provides improved torque transmission capabilities.