Hybrid Endoscope Segmentation for Sterile Cleaning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Endoscopes for surgical applications face challenges in complete disinfection, particularly in areas with multi-resistant germs, due to complex designs and high costs associated with hermetically sealed components, which limit the working channel and increase waste when using disposable options.
Innovation Solution
A hybrid endoscope design with two separate assemblies: a reusable imaging system assembly and a single-use shaft tube assembly, allowing for easy detachment and processing of expensive components, and using an external supply line to prevent dirt accumulation and simplify cleaning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If hermetically sealed metal housing is used for imaging system, then disinfection resistance is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The endoscope is divided into two separate assemblies: a reusable imaging system assembly with hermetically sealed metal housing containing electronic components, and a disposable shaft tube assembly with fluid channels. This segmentation allows the complex hermetically sealed housing to be isolated and reused while the simple shaft tube is discarded, resolving the contradiction between disinfection resistance and device complexity.
2Reliability
If hermetically sealed endoscope design is used, then disinfection capability is improved, but working channel size is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
By separating the hermetically sealed imaging system from the shaft tube, the working channel in the disposable shaft tube assembly can be made larger without compromising disinfection capability. The imaging system's hermetic seal protects electronic components while the shaft tube provides ample working channel space for surgical instruments.
3Ease of manufacture
If disposable endoscope is used, then cleaning cost is reduced, but waste generation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The endoscope is segmented into a reusable imaging system assembly that can be cleaned and disinfected multiple times, and a disposable shaft tube assembly that is discarded after single use. This partial reusability reduces waste generation compared to complete disposability while avoiding the high cleaning costs associated with reusing the entire endoscope including expensive electronic components.
4Stability of the object's composition
If imaging system is integrated in rigid housing, then structural stability is improved, but field of view is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging system is mounted on a rotating drum within the receiving device, allowing dynamic rotation to change the field of view direction. This dynamic adjustment capability enables the imaging system to observe different areas while maintaining the structural stability of the hermetically sealed housing.
5Device complexity
If electronic components are housed inside shaft tube, then device complexity is reduced, but cleaning reliability is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
Electronic components are housed in a separate reusable imaging system assembly with hermetically sealed metal housing, isolated from the disposable shaft tube assembly. This segmentation protects electronic components from contamination and allows the shaft tube to be easily discarded after single use, maintaining both structural simplicity and cleaning reliability.
Data Source
Figure 1a~1c
Figure 2a~2c
AI summary
Hybrid endoscope (10), particularly for sterile medical applications, wherein the endoscope (10) comprises a receiving device (12) for an imaging system (14) and a shaft tube (16), the receiving device (12) being arranged in an assembled state at a distal end (55) of the shaft tube (16). The endoscope (10) is divided into at least two assemblies (18, 20), wherein a first assembly (18) comprises at least the receiving device (12), the imaging system (14) and preferably a supply line (22) of the imaging system (14) as reusable parts, and a second assembly (20) comprises at least the shaft tube (16) as a single-use part, wherein the two assemblies (18, 20) can be detachably connected by means of an interface (24).