Endoscopic Sleeve with Asymmetric Bendable Elements
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Solution Overview
Problem
Endoscopic procedures, such as colonoscopy, face challenges including anatomical folds obstructing visualization, tip position instability, bowel tissue interference, and fecal/liquid obstructions, making it difficult to effectively examine and treat lesions within the colon.
Innovation Solution
An endoscopic sleeve with bendable projecting elements that are more easily bent proximally than distally, allowing them to fan out and grip the colon mucosa during withdrawal, reducing device diameter and improving visualization, while providing resistance to maintain tip position and navigate tight bends.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the projecting elements are made rigid to maintain tip position and provide stability during withdrawal, then the ability to navigate tight bends and traverse colon folds is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The projecting elements are designed to be dynamically changeable in their mechanical properties. During insertion, they remain flexible to navigate tight bends and traverse colon folds. During withdrawal, they become rigid to maintain tip position stability and provide stability for examination and treatment procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical parameter of the projecting elements (flexibility/rigidity) is changed based on the operational phase. The elements transition from a flexible state during insertion to a rigid state during withdrawal, allowing optimization of performance for each specific task.
2Ease of operation
If the projecting elements are made flexible to navigate tight bends and traverse colon folds, then the ability to maintain tip position and provide stability during withdrawal is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The projecting elements transition from a flexible state during insertion to a rigid state during withdrawal. This dynamic change allows them to effectively navigate tight bends when flexible, then maintain tip position stability when rigid.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical properties of the projecting elements are changed based on operational needs. The elements are flexible during insertion to navigate anatomical challenges, then become rigid during withdrawal to provide stability and maintain position.
3Area of stationary object
If the outer periphery of the projecting elements is increased to improve visualization by opening colon folds, then the resistance during insertion increases
Solution Approach 1:
The projecting elements are dynamic in their dimensional configuration. During insertion, they are compressed to a smaller profile to reduce resistance. During withdrawal, they expand to a larger outer periphery to effectively open colon folds and improve visualization.
Solution Approach 2:
The projecting elements are designed to nest within each other or collapse into a compact configuration during insertion, similar to nested dolls. This reduces their effective outer periphery and insertion resistance. During withdrawal, they unfold or expand to their full size to perform their visualization function.
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
Enhances visualization and stability during endoscopic procedures by reducing resistance for insertion and increasing resistance for withdrawal, allowing better examination and treatment of colon tissue folds.
Implementation Method 1
The projecting elements are bendable towards both proximal and distal directions of the tubular member. The insertion force required to bend the projecting elements towards the proximal direction is less than an extraction force required to bend the projecting elements towards the distal direction.
Data Source
Figure 1~2B
Figure 3A~3C
Figure 4
AI summary
An endoscopic sleeve includes a tubular member from which spaced projecting elements. The projecting elements are bendable towards both proximal and distal directions of the tubular member. The force (insertion force) required to bend the projecting elements towards the proximal direction is less than a force (extraction force) required to bend the projecting elements towards the distal direction. An outer periphery of the projecting elements decreases as the extraction force increases.