Endoscopic Device Removal System with Expandable Shaft
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Solution Overview
Problem
The continuous removal of endoscopic devices from endoscopes leads to loosening of epoxy joints and increased wear and tear, making cleaning and reprocessing difficult and potentially leading to contamination and infections.
Innovation Solution
A removal system with a gripping element and an insertion element featuring a collapsible elongate shaft that expands to create a friction fit within the device, allowing for precise and atraumatic removal by distributing force both internally and externally.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If continuous removal of endoscopic devices is performed, then the device can be reused, but the epoxy joints loosen and sealed areas are damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a removal system as an intermediary tool between the operator and the endoscopic device. This system includes a removal element with gripping arms that contact the device, and an insertion element with a projection that advances into an opening within the device. The projection applies force from within the device to facilitate withdrawal, distributing the removal force through multiple contact points rather than concentrating it on sealed areas, thereby preventing damage to epoxy joints and maintaining seal integrity during device removal
Solution Approach 2:
The removal system is divided into distinct functional components: a removal element with gripping arms for external contact, and an insertion element with a projection for internal force application. This segmentation allows the system to apply removal forces through multiple separate contact points, distributing stress away from critical sealed areas and epoxy joints, enabling device reuse without compromising seal integrity
2Ease of operation
If force is applied to remove the device, then the device can be withdrawn, but wear and tear on the endoscope increases
Solution Approach 1:
The removal element incorporates pivotally coupled gripping arms that can dynamically adjust their position and orientation during the removal process. This dynamic configuration allows the gripping arms to adapt to the device geometry and distribute applied forces across multiple contact points, reducing concentrated stress on the endoscope and minimizing wear and tear while maintaining effective device withdrawal capability
3Reliability
If the projection advances into the opening, then a firmer grip is obtained, but the risk of damaging internal structures increases
Solution Approach 1:
The projection is designed with flexible characteristics that allow it to advance into the opening within the device and conform to internal surfaces. This flexibility enables the projection to create a secure friction fit grip on internal structures without applying excessive concentrated force that could damage delicate internal components, thus achieving reliable grip stability while minimizing damage risk
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 enables precise, predictable, and less traumatic removal of endoscopic devices, reducing wear on the endoscope and minimizing damage to sealed areas, thereby enhancing safety and extending the useful life of the equipment.
Implementation Method 1
The elongate shaft of the insertion device is collapsible such that at least a portion of the shaft has a reduced diameter for advancing through the internal channel of the device. This facilitates advancement of the shaft into the device and allows for the shaft to then expand outwards and create a friction fit within the internal channel of the device to provide a firmer grip on the device.
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 1C~1D
Figure 2~3A
AI summary
Systems and methods are provided for the non-traumatic removal of a variety of devices placed over, or on, endoscopic instruments or endoscopes. A device removal system includes a removal element for gripping the device having a body with a central portion and adjacent gripping arms movably coupled to the central portion. The system further includes an insertion device coupled to the removal element and an expanding instrument. The insertion device has an elongate shaft configured for advancement into an opening or channel within the device to be removed. The expanding instrument is configured for insertion into the insertion device to expand the shaft of the insertion device and obtain a firmer grip on the device, thereby reducing the local pressure applied to any one portion of the device, which reduces the wear and tear on the instrument and minimizes damage to epoxy joints and other sealed areas.