Endoscopic Instrument Holding Device for Winding Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing endoscopic instruments face challenges in handling and storing due to their length and flexibility, which can lead to contamination risks and cumbersome handling during temporary storage.
Innovation Solution
An endoscopic instrument with a holding device integrated into the instrument body, allowing for easy packing and secure fastening of windings using a rotatable gripper, minimizing the risk of contamination and improving handling efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If the instrument is made long and flexible for endoscopic use, then it can be inserted into the working channel of the endoscope, but it becomes difficult to handle and store without contamination risks
Solution Approach 1:
The instrument body is divided into a flexible section suitable for insertion and a proximal section with the holding device. The holding device itself is segmented into a body, a rotatably supported gripper, and a clamp mechanism, allowing independent operation of each component for efficient packing and securing
Solution Approach 2:
The holding device acts as an intermediary mechanism between the flexible instrument section and the storage container. It provides a controlled interface for packing the flexible section into windings and securing it, eliminating the need for direct contact with non-sterile surfaces
2Volume of moving object
If the instrument is packed in windings for storage, then it saves space and is easier to handle, but the spring elasticity causes it to spring back in a stretched form
Solution Approach 1:
The holding device is prepared in advance with the gripper in a ready-to-grasp position. The clamp is pre-positioned to engage with the gripper, so that when packing is needed, the instrument can be quickly wound and immediately secured without springing back
Solution Approach 2:
The clamp mechanism provides a counteracting force to the spring elasticity of the flexible section. By engaging the clamp with the gripper, it prevents the elastic recovery that would otherwise cause the wound instrument to spring back to its stretched form
3Stability of the object's composition
If a clamp is used to fasten the packed instrument, then it prevents springing back, but the handling becomes troublesome and creates hygienic risks
Solution Approach 1:
The holding device merges the gripper and clamp into a single integrated assembly that is permanently attached to the instrument body. This eliminates the need to handle separate fastening components, reducing handling complexity and maintaining sterility
Solution Approach 2:
The rotatable gripper allows the user to self-secure the packed instrument by simply rotating it, which automatically engages the clamp. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for additional fastening steps and reduces handling time
4Reliability
If the holding device is arranged on the instrument body, then it is as aseptic as the instrument body and cannot be laid down separately, but it increases device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The holding device is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as a packing aid and a securing mechanism. The gripper can rotate to both pack the instrument into windings and secure them with the clamp, eliminating the need for separate devices and reducing overall complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The gripper is nested within the holding device body, rotating on an axis within the same component. The clamp is integrated into the gripper structure, creating a compact nested arrangement that minimizes the axial dimension while providing multiple functions
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 solution simplifies the temporary storage of endoscopic instruments, reduces the risk of contamination, and enhances handling ease, particularly for instruments exceeding 2 meters in length.
Implementation Method 1
a gripper (32) rotatably supported around the instrument body (15) having a latch (34) that is able to hold and fasten windings (17, 18, 19)
Implementation Method 2
a gripper (32) rotatably supported around the instrument body (15) having a latch (34) that is able to hold and fasten windings (17, 18, 19)
Implementation Method 3
The flexible section can have a length of more than 1 meter, for example, and can be wound in at least one and preferably multiple windings. Due to the typically inherent spring elasticity thereof, it has however the tendency to spring back in a stretched form.
Data Source
AI summary
An endoscopic instrument having an instrument body configured in a long, slim and flexible manner. The instrument may be completely or partly wound in one or more windings that allows the instrument to be packed in a space-saving and easy-to-handle manner. To keep the instrument body in this position, a holding device is provided that is arranged on the instrument body and is preferably undetachably held there. The holding device has a gripper rotatably supported around the instrument body. The instrument body has a latch to hold and fasten the windings.