Flexible Coupling for Endoscope Treatment Tool
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing endoscope systems face challenges in effectively guiding and maneuvering treatment tools within the body while maintaining clear visibility and independent movement of the treatment tool relative to the endoscope.
Innovation Solution
The endoscope treatment tool includes a cap detachably attached to the endoscope, a treatment tool extending along the outside of the cap with a distal end for tissue manipulation, and a coupling member with high flexibility that movably couples the treatment tool to the cap, allowing relative movement in the left-right direction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the treatment tool is guided through a guide tube disposed radially outside the insertion portion, then the treatment tool can be positioned within the field of view for observation, but the treatment tool cannot move independently relative to the endoscope
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling member is designed with high flexibility to enable dynamic relative movement between the treatment tool and the cap. This allows the treatment tool to move independently in the left-right direction while maintaining connection to the cap, resolving the contradiction between operational independence and device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling member's flexibility parameter is optimized to allow sufficient relative movement for independent positioning while maintaining structural integrity. This parameter change enables the treatment tool to achieve independent movement without excessive complexity in the coupling mechanism.
2Ease of operation
If the treatment tool is rigidly fixed to the cap, then the structure is simple and stable, but the treatment tool cannot be maneuvered independently within the body
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling member transitions from a rigid fixed connection to a dynamic flexible connection, allowing the treatment tool to maneuver independently while maintaining reliable connection to the cap through its high flexibility design.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling member functions as a flexible element that provides both maneuverability and connection stability. Its flexibility allows independent movement of the treatment tool while maintaining a reliable mechanical connection to the cap structure.
3Ease of operation
If the coupling member has high flexibility to allow relative movement, then independent positioning is achieved, but the structural stability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The flexibility parameter of the coupling member is optimized to achieve the right balance between relative movement capability and structural stability. The coupling member maintains sufficient stability to hold the treatment tool while allowing the necessary relative movement for independent positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling member uses flexible material properties to simultaneously provide structural stability and movement capability. The flexibility of the coupling member allows it to maintain stable connection while accommodating relative movement between components.
Data Source
AI summary
An endoscope treatment tool includes: a cap defining a longitudinal axis and a proximal-end opening for insertion of a distal end section of an endoscope to detachably attach the cap to the endoscope; a treatment tool extending longitudinally along an outside of the cap and having a distal end configured for tissue manipulation; and a coupling member extending between the cap and the treatment tool to movably couple the treatment tool to the cap, the coupling member having high flexibility.