Endoscopic Sheet Rolling System for Sterile Conduit Deployment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Translumenal procedures face challenges in providing a suitable conduit for medical devices that are maneuverable and operable within the body cavity while maintaining sterility and preventing infection, particularly in rolling and insufflating endoscopic sheets to avoid complications like bleeding from blood vessels.

Innovation Solution

A rolling system comprising a roller with elongated rods and fixtures that allow for the endoscopic sheet to be wound into a tubular configuration, with sliding and rotational mechanisms to accommodate different sheet sizes and provide a compressive force, facilitating efficient and sterile sheet deployment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the endoscopic sheet is rolled into a tubular configuration using a fixed rolling mechanism, then the rolling process is simple, but the device cannot accommodate different sheet sizes and lacks adaptability

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccommodation of different sheet sizesVSAvoidrolling mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The rolling mechanism incorporates movable fixtures that can slide along the base to accommodate different sheet widths, and adjustable rod positions that can be moved independently to match various sheet dimensions. This dynamic adjustability allows the same device to handle multiple sheet sizes without requiring multiple dedicated fixtures for each size.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The base structure serves multiple functions: it provides the sliding track for fixtures, supports the rolling rods, and maintains the overall structural integrity. The fixtures themselves serve dual purposes by both guiding the sheet edges and providing the rolling surface through the rods. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional specialized components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If a robust rolling system is used to ensure sterility and prevent infection, then the reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesterility maintenance and infection preventionVSAvoidrolling system structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The endoscopic sheet itself acts as a sterile barrier that can be rolled into a tubular configuration to form a conduit. This flexible film approach maintains sterility by creating a sealed barrier between the external environment and the body cavity, while the rolling mechanism remains relatively simple in structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The rolling system nests the endoscopic sheet around the rolling rods, with the sheet forming a tubular structure that encloses the rods. This nested configuration allows the sterile sheet to be deployed while the rolling rods remain contained within the tubular structure, maintaining sterility without requiring complex sterilization mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Stability of the object's composition

If the rolling mechanism applies sufficient compressive force to secure the sheet, then the sheet stability is improved, but the sheet may be damaged or deformed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesheet stability during rollingVSAvoidsheet integrity
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The rolling rods apply compressive force locally at specific points where the sheet is being rolled, rather than applying uniform pressure across the entire sheet. The fixtures provide localized support and guidance at the edges, while the rods provide localized rolling pressure. This distributed local pressure maintains sheet stability without causing damage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The rolling mechanism allows for dynamic adjustment of the compressive force applied to the sheet. The movable fixtures can be positioned to apply appropriate pressure at different stages of the rolling process, and the rods can be adjusted to match the sheet thickness and material properties, preventing both excessive compression and insufficient stabilization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 quick and efficient rolling of endoscopic sheets into a tubular configuration, enhancing maneuverability and sterility, reducing the risk of complications during procedures by providing a robust and minimally invasive solution.

Implementation Method 1

the sheet is wound about the rod when rotated by the rotatable member

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentEP2384147B1Endoscopic sheet rolling system
Publication Date: 2014.08.13 COOK MEDICAL TECHNOLOGIES LLC
  • EP2384147B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2384147B1 patent drawingFigure 3~7
  • EP2384147B1 patent drawingFigure 8~9

AI summary

Medical devices and methods are provided for rolling an endoscopic sheet into a tubular configuration. The device comprises a roller (28) an elongated base (24) and first (26) and second (28) fixtures.