Endoscopic Tool Clip for Parallax Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Endoscopic surgery is hindered by parallax distortion due to the acute angle between the endoscope and surgical instruments, limiting the surgeon's view and requiring a reliable coupling mechanism to prevent relative movement between the endoscope and endoscopic tool.
Innovation Solution
A detachable clip with knurled surfaces and resilient material is used to securely couple the endoscope and endoscopic tool, featuring elongated protrusions and lobes for improved engagement, allowing for accurate positioning and minimizing parallax effects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the endoscope is inserted into the surgical area adjacent to the surgical instrument, then the surgical manipulation can be performed, but parallax distortion occurs due to the acute angle formed between the endoscope and the surgical instrument, restricting or distorting the surgeon's view
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the endoscope and surgical instrument into a single integrated assembly, where the endoscope is positioned within or alongside the surgical instrument in a fixed spatial relationship. This merging eliminates the need for separate insertion of two independent devices, thereby maintaining surgical manipulation capability while preventing parallax distortion through fixed geometric alignment.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the endoscope and surgical instrument are inserted separately, then each can be optimized for its function, but relative movement between them occurs, causing undesirable parallax and limiting the surgeon's view
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a nested configuration where the endoscope is positioned within or alongside the surgical instrument in a fixed spatial relationship. This nested arrangement allows both components to maintain their functional optimization while eliminating relative movement between them, thereby preventing parallax distortion and ensuring consistent visual accuracy throughout the surgical procedure.
3Measurement precision
If a fixed coupling mechanism is used to prevent relative movement between the endoscope and surgical instrument, then parallax is eliminated, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the coupling system into discrete, modular components including a mounting structure, positioning elements, and attachment mechanisms. This segmentation allows each component to perform a specific function in preventing relative movement, thereby eliminating parallax distortion while keeping the overall device complexity manageable through modular design and standardized interfaces.
Data Source
AI summary
A surgical tool assembly is provided having a surgical tool, a scope; and a detachable clip which couples the tool and scope. The clip includes a first grip which engages a peripheral surface of the tool and a second grip which engages a peripheral surface of the scope. Additionally, the first and second grips may be formed continuously with one another.