Endoscope Forceps Plug Guide Adapter for Low-Friction Instrument Insertion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing forceps plugs for endoscopes require prior application of lubricant to reduce friction during treatment instrument insertion, which is cumbersome.
Innovation Solution
A guide adapter with a lubricant storage and application mechanism that allows smooth insertion of treatment instruments without pre-application, using a cover member to expose a lubricant-coated surface for friction reduction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a forceps plug with partition portions is used to create a liquid-tight seal, then liquid-tight sealing is improved, but frictional force increases making treatment instrument insertion difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The forceps plug is divided into multiple partition portions that can independently conform to the treatment instrument, allowing each partition to provide sealing without collectively creating excessive friction. The partitions are separated structures that work together to achieve both sealing and low friction.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the partition portions have different functional properties - the inner surfaces facing the treatment instrument are designed with smooth, low-friction characteristics, while the outer structures maintain the liquid-tight sealing capability. This local differentiation allows simultaneous achievement of both sealing and easy insertion.
2Ease of operation
If lubricant is applied in advance to reduce frictional force, then treatment instrument insertion is improved, but operational complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The forceps plug structure itself provides the lubrication function through its material properties and surface characteristics, eliminating the need for external lubricant application. The partition portions are designed with inherent low-friction surfaces that automatically reduce friction during instrument insertion without requiring user intervention to apply lubricant.
3Reliability
If partition portions are designed to adhere tightly for liquid-tight seal, then sealing reliability is improved, but frictional force increases
Solution Approach 1:
The partition portions are designed with dynamic flexibility, allowing them to deform and conform to the treatment instrument shape during insertion. This dynamic adaptation enables tight sealing contact without maintaining constant high friction force, as the partitions adjust their position and contact pressure based on the instrument's presence and movement.
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
Enables seamless insertion of treatment instruments into endoscope forceps channels without prior lubrication, maintaining a liquid-tight seal and simplifying preparation for medical procedures.
Implementation Method 1
applying a lubricant in advance to the outer peripheral surface of the treatment instrument is considered effective in reducing the frictional force
Data Source
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AI summary
To allow for the smooth insertion of a treatment instrument into a forceps channel via a forceps plug attached to a forceps ferrule of an endoscope. A guide adapter 71 for inserting a treatment instrument of the present invention includes an adapter body 72 including a lubricant storage portion 81 and an insertion portion 82, the lubricant storage portion 81 having one end that is open and an internal space 84 to be filled with a lubricant 75, the insertion portion 82 having an internal space 100 in communication with the internal space 84 and being adapted to be inserted into a forceps plug 31 mounted on a forceps ferrule 21 of an endoscope 10; an inner cover 73 having a slit 107 that allows a treatment instrument to pass through toward the internal space 84, the inner cover 73 being adapted to close the one end of the lubricant storage portion 81; and an outer cover 74 adapted to be attached to the one end of the lubricant storage portion 81 closed by the inner cover 73, and expose the slit 107 provided in the inner cover 73 and a region around the slit 107.