Endoscope Treatment Tool Swing Section
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing endoscope treatment tools face challenges in effectively guiding and maneuvering treatment tools within the field of view while allowing independent movement from the endoscope, limiting precise and efficient tissue manipulation during procedures.
Innovation Solution
An endoscope treatment tool featuring a cylindrical cap with a coupling member that includes a swing section, allowing the treatment tool to protrude and move independently in the radial direction, enabling precise grasping and manipulation of tissue through a tensile force generation mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the treatment tool is guided through the guide tube disposed radially outside the insertion portion, then the treatment can be performed while observing the distal end of the treatment tool, but the treatment tool cannot move independently from the endoscope and is limited in maneuverability within the field of view
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling member is divided into a first coupling portion connected to the treatment tool and a second coupling portion connected to the cap, with a swing section in between. This segmentation allows the treatment tool to move independently while maintaining connection to the endoscope system, resolving the contradiction between maneuverability and structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The swing section enables dynamic movement of the treatment tool relative to the endoscope by allowing rotational motion around a swing axis. This dynamic capability permits the treatment tool to be positioned at various angles and locations within the field of view while maintaining a relatively simple overall coupling structure.
2Length of moving object
If the treatment tool is moved forward in the longitudinal direction, then the grasper can reach the tissue, but the treatment tool bends without independent radial movement capability
Solution Approach 1:
The swing section introduces radial movement capability perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the treatment tool. This allows the grasper to reach tissue in both the longitudinal direction (through forward movement) and the radial direction (through swinging motion), eliminating the need for excessive bending and enabling precise positioning in multiple dimensions.
3Measurement precision
If the treatment tool is disposed inside the field of view for effective tissue manipulation, then precise grasping and cutting can be performed, but the tool structure becomes more complex to achieve independent movement
Solution Approach 1:
The swing section acts as an intermediary mechanism between the cap and the treatment tool, enabling precise positioning of the grasper within the field of view. This intermediate swing mechanism provides the necessary degrees of freedom for accurate tissue manipulation while keeping the overall coupling structure relatively simple and manageable.
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 the treatment tool to be positioned and manipulated within the endoscope's field of view for effective grasping and cutting of tissue, while allowing independent movement from the endoscope, facilitating easier and more precise medical procedures.
Implementation Method 1
swings about the swing axis while generating a tensile force and bending the treatment tool inward in the first radial direction
Data Source
AI summary
An endoscope treatment tool includes: a cylindrical cap attached to an outer side of a distal-end section of an endoscope and having first and second radial directions intersecting each other; a treatment tool supported at an outer side of the cap in the first radial direction to be movable in the longitudinal direction; and a linear flexible coupling member coupling the treatment tool with the cap such that the grasper reaches a position where the grasper protrudes from a distal end of the cap. A swing section of the coupling member couples the cap with the treatment tool to allow relative movement in the second radial direction, and, in response to pressed forward in the longitudinal direction by the treatment tool, swings about a swing axis extending in the second radial direction while generating a tensile force and bending the treatment tool inward in the first radial direction.