Flexible Segmented Closure Device for Endoscopic Bite Block
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Solution Overview
Problem
During endoscopic procedures, the gap between the endoscope tube and the bite block allows infectious droplets to be expelled, posing a risk of airborne pathogen transmission to healthcare providers, as patients may cough or struggle to swallow, leading to the spread of harmful pathogens.
Innovation Solution
A closure device with flexible segments that flex to accommodate the endoscope tube, engaging with its outer walls to prevent droplet expulsion, and a mask with a flexible sheet that covers the patient's face to capture any droplets, ensuring they do not spread into the environment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a bite block with a sufficiently sized opening is used to allow endoscope tube passage, then the endoscope can easily pass through and be maneuvered, but a gap is left between the tube and bite block walls that allows infectious droplets to be expelled
Solution Approach 1:
The closure member is divided into multiple flexible segments that can independently flex and move. This segmentation allows the closure member to adapt to the endoscope tube while maintaining contact to prevent droplet expulsion, resolving the contradiction between needing a large opening for easy passage and preventing gaps that allow droplet expulsion.
Solution Approach 2:
The closure member is designed with flexible segments that can dynamically adjust their position and shape. When the endoscope tube is inserted, the flexible segments flex outward to accommodate the tube while maintaining engagement with its outer walls. This dynamic flexibility allows the system to provide both easy tube passage and effective droplet containment.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a closure member with flexible segments is inserted into the passage to engage with the endoscope tube, then droplet expulsion is prevented, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The closure member is constructed using flexible segments that function as thin, adaptable barriers. These flexible segments can conform to the endoscope tube's outer walls while maintaining contact to prevent droplet expulsion. This approach achieves effective droplet containment without requiring a complex rigid structure, thus managing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible segments are designed to automatically flex and engage with the endoscope tube when it is inserted into the passage. The closure member self-adjusts to the tube's presence and dimensions, eliminating the need for complex adjustment mechanisms or additional components. This self-service特性 reduces device complexity while maintaining effective droplet containment.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the bite block opening is made larger to facilitate endoscope insertion, then the tube can pass through easily, but the gap between the tube and bite block walls increases allowing pathogen spread
Solution Approach 1:
The closure member is segmented into multiple flexible sections that can independently adapt to the endoscope tube. This segmentation allows the closure member to effectively seal around the tube even when the opening is large, preventing pathogen transmission while maintaining the adaptability needed for easy tube insertion and accommodation of different tube sizes.
Solution Approach 2:
The closure member's flexible segments can change their physical parameters (shape, position, contact pressure) in response to the endoscope tube's insertion. This parameter change allows the system to maintain effective sealing around the tube, preventing pathogen transmission, while the opening remains sufficiently large to facilitate easy tube insertion and accommodation.
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
Effectively prevents the spread of airborne pathogens by ensuring that droplets are contained within the bite block or mask, maintaining a safer environment for both patients and healthcare providers during medical procedures.
Implementation Method 1
the flexible member further comprising a plurality of flexible segments being adapted to flex for accommodating an endoscopic tube to penetrate and pass through into the passage
Data Source
AI summary
A closure device for use in combination with an endoscopy bite block, the bite block including a front piece to fit over a patient's mouth which has a central opening communicating with a passage extending into the patient's mouth to receive and pass an endoscopic tube, the closure device comprising a closure member configured for being inserted and retained in the passage during use wherein the closure comprises a flexible member extending across the opening, the flexible member further comprising a plurality of flexible segments being adapted to flex for accommodating an endoscopic tube to penetrate and pass through into the passage in an in-use engagement configuration wherein a portion of one or more of the flexible segments engages with outer walls of the tube to prevent expulsion of any droplets out of the patient's mouth during use.