Endoscopy Auxiliary Device Clamping Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Capsule endoscopes face limitations in power and wireless transmission, making them unsuitable for large organs like the stomach, and existing methods for inserting and removing them are cumbersome and uncomfortable for patients, often causing difficulties in swallowing and manual manipulation.
Innovation Solution
An endoscopy auxiliary device featuring a clamper with slits and an electromagnet to securely clamp and release the capsule endoscope, allowing for easier insertion and removal, utilizing a combination of mechanical and magnetic forces to manage the capsule endoscope during procedures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If capsule endoscopies are made small for swallowing, then they can be inserted into patients' bodies, but patients feel uncomfortable and experience difficulty in swallowing due to wires
Solution Approach 1:
The wire is extracted from the capsule endoscope body and placed externally, connecting to the insertion tube. This removes the wire from the swallowed portion, eliminating patient discomfort while maintaining the necessary electrical connection for power and data transmission.
2Reliability
If a clamper is used to clamp the capsule endoscope, then secure placement is achieved, but an extra manual pull is required to remove the capsule from the clamper
Solution Approach 1:
The clamper structure is made dynamic through the elastic deformation of the pipe. The pipe can elastically deform to clamp the capsule endoscope securely during insertion, then automatically releases when the clamping force is reduced, eliminating the need for manual pulling operations.
3Ease of operation
If the pipe has deep slits for easy release, then the capsule can be released easily, but the clamping force is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The pipe has different structural characteristics at different locations: deep slits at the opening end for easy capsule release, and a solid structure at the connection end for maintaining clamping force. This local differentiation allows the same component to satisfy both contradictory requirements at different positions.
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 device enables secure clamping and controlled release of the capsule endoscope, reducing patient discomfort and improving the efficiency of procedures by allowing for easier passage through the esophagus and sphincter, while the magnetic force enhances clamping and release mechanisms.
Implementation Method 1
an electromagnet disposed in the connector and configured to selectively generate a magnetic force according to an external current for selectively attracting the capsule endoscope
Data Source
AI summary
An endoscopy auxiliary device includes an insertion tube and a clamping unit. The clamping unit has a pipe and a connector. The connector is connected to the insertion tube. The tube is configured to clamp a capsule endoscope. The pipe has an inner space configured to accommodate a part of the capsule endoscope. The pipe includes a first slit, a second slit and a third slit. The first slit extends from a free end of the pipe for a first distance toward a connection end of the pipe. The second slit extends from the free end of the pipe for the connection distance toward the connection end of the pipe. The third slit extends from the free end of the pipe for a third distance toward the connection end of the pipe. The first slit, the second slit and the third slit are separate.