Self-Advancing Endoscopic Probe Using Cavitation Propulsion

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional medical endoscopes require a minimum level of stiffness for insertion, leading to a large bending radius that is not well-suited for the gastrointestinal tract, potentially causing damage due to pushing against intestinal turns.

Innovation Solution

An endoscope propulsion system utilizing an elongate propulsion tube with a lumen for fluid, driven by a pressure actuator that induces cavitation and bubble formation, followed by collapse to transfer momentum for smooth advancement along the gastrointestinal tract.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If the insertion tube is made stiff to allow pushing insertion, then insertion force is improved, but the bending radius becomes large and causes damage to intestinal turns

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinsertion tube stiffnessVSAvoiddamage to intestinal turns

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the conventional mechanical pushing system with an acoustic radiation pressure system. A transducer at the distal end generates acoustic waves that propagate through the insertion tube, creating acoustic radiation pressure to propel the endoscope forward. This eliminates the need for stiff pushing insertion, allowing the use of flexible insertion tubes with small bending radii that can safely navigate intestinal turns without causing damage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the insertion tube is made flexible to navigate tight passages, then adaptability is improved, but insertion force decreases making pushing difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to navigate tight passagesVSAvoidinsertion force

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The patent substitutes mechanical pushing force with acoustic radiation pressure generated by a transducer. The transducer converts electrical energy to acoustic waves that travel through the insertion tube, creating propulsive force without requiring mechanical pushing. This enables flexible insertion tubes to be advanced easily through tight passages while maintaining the ability to navigate complex anatomical structures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes acoustic waves (a form of fluid pressure propagation) to generate propulsive force. The acoustic radiation pressure acts on the insertion tube and surrounding tissue, providing a non-contact, non-mechanical means of advancement that is particularly suitable for flexible tubes navigating through fluid-filled biological passages.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

3Speed

If conventional pushing insertion is used, then insertion speed is improved, but the risk of bowel damage increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinsertion speedVSAvoidbowel damage risk

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical pushing with acoustic radiation pressure propulsion. The transducer generates continuous or pulsed acoustic waves that propel the endoscope at controlled speeds without mechanical contact or force application to the bowel wall. This maintains efficient insertion speed while eliminating the risk of mechanical damage to intestinal turns and surrounding tissue.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 system allows for gentle and damage-free progression of endoscopes by leveraging fluid dynamics to navigate tight anatomical passages, suitable for both medical and industrial applications.

Implementation Method 1

The drive unit may be configured to gradually reduce the pressure within the channel of the propulsion tube to induce cavitation and form gas bubbles in the liquid

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCavitation: Cavitation

Implementation Method 2

momentum is transferred from the liquid to the propulsion tube

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMomentum transfer: Conservation of Momentum

Data Source

PatentUS12495955B2Self-advancing endoscopic probe and system compromising same

Publication Date: 2025.12.16 ENDOGENE LTD

AI summary

Embodiments generally relate to propulsion devices, systems, or components thereof, for progressing instruments along passages, as well as associated methods of manufacture. For example, the instruments may include tools, sensors, probes and/or monitoring equipment for medical use (such as endoscopy) or industrial use (such as mining). The described embodiments may also be suitable for applications in other fields to progress an instrument along a passage. Some embodiments relate to an endoscope comprising or configured to receive a propulsion tube configured to assist in progressing the endoscope along a passage.