Endoscopic Retrieval Net with Distributed Wire Attachment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional endoscopic retrieval devices are inadequate for securely retrieving heavy, rounded, or blunt objects like large tissue masses, food bolus, coins, and batteries, often resulting in reliability issues and potential catastrophic consequences if objects are dropped near the trachea during removal.
Innovation Solution
A retrieval device with a support assembly, transmitting assembly, wire loop, and net element that includes a proximal portion secured to the loop and leg portions, allowing for even force distribution and reduced risk of tearing, enabling secure capture and retrieval of objects within the body.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional forceps or clasps are used to retrieve objects, then the device structure is simple, but the device cannot securely hold heavy, rounded or blunt objects
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functional elements into a single integrated device: a net element for capturing objects, a wire loop structure for support, and a transmitting assembly for actuation. This merging allows the device to securely hold heavy, rounded, or blunt objects while maintaining reasonable structural complexity through functional integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The device is divided into distinct functional segments: the net element with distal and proximal protruding portions, the wire loop with leg portions, the transmitting assembly with link and handle, and the support assembly with tubular member. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while working together to solve the overall retrieval problem.
2Reliability
If a net is used to retrieve objects, then the secure capture capability is improved, but the risk of net tearing increases under heavy loads
Solution Approach 1:
The net element is designed with different structural qualities at different locations: distal and proximal protruding portions are reinforced to provide secure attachment points to the wire loop, while the main body of the net maintains flexibility for object capture. This local quality differentiation allows the net to withstand heavy loads at critical points while remaining effective for capturing various object shapes.
3Device complexity
If the net element is secured only at the distal end to the loop, then the structure is simpler, but the net may tear or detach under load
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the attachment function from a single-point connection and distributes it to multiple connection points: the distal protruding portion attaches to the distal end of the loop, and the proximal protruding portion attaches to the wire structure between the leg portions. This extraction and distribution of the attachment function prevents net tearing or detachment under load while maintaining structural efficiency.
Data Source
AI summary
An endoscopic device for retrieving an object from within a human body is disclosed. The device includes a support assembly, a transmitting assembly, a wire, and a net element. The support assembly has a base and a tubular member. The transmitting assembly includes a handle and a motion transmitting link fixed to the handle and extending through at least a portion of the tubular member. The wire defines a loop portion and two leg portions. A proximal end of each leg portion is secured to the link by a first connection and the two leg portions are secured to each other by at least a second connection distal from the first connection. The net element has a distally protruding portion secured to the loop portion and a proximally protruding portion secured relative to the leg portions.