Endoscope Tip With Integrated Cantilever Elevator for Instrument Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Elevator assemblies in side viewing endoscopes for ERCP procedures are complex and costly, necessitating high maintenance and posing infection risks due to inadequate cleaning, which can be mitigated by simplifying the design.
Innovation Solution
A simplified elevator mechanism in the endoscope tip featuring a single-piece polymer construction with a cantilevered elevator and control wire system, allowing for deflection without distal bending, facilitated by a proximal portion with varying thickness and a control wire actuation mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a complex elevator assembly design is used, then the instrument positioning capability is improved, but the manufacturing cost and maintenance complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the elevator assembly with the tip housing into a single integrated unit. The elevator is formed as an integral part of the tip housing, eliminating the need for separate elevator components and reducing the number of parts that require assembly and maintenance, while still providing effective instrument positioning capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The tip housing serves multiple functions: it provides structural support, houses the elevator mechanism, and integrates the instrument positioning function. This multi-functional design reduces overall device complexity by combining what would traditionally be separate components into a single universal element.
2Reliability
If a complex elevator assembly design is used, then the instrument positioning capability is improved, but the manufacturing and maintenance costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating the elevator assembly into the tip housing as a single piece, the manufacturing process is simplified. Instead of manufacturing multiple separate components and assembling them with precision, the integrated design allows for fewer manufacturing steps, reduced material waste, and lower labor costs, while maintaining the same instrument positioning functionality.
3Productivity
If the endoscope is used multiple times, then resource utilization is improved, but the infection risk increases due to inadequate cleaning
Solution Approach 1:
The patent describes a tip design that can be manufactured at lower cost due to its simplified integrated structure. This cost reduction makes it economically viable to use the tip as a single-use disposable component, eliminating cross-contamination risks between patients while maintaining resource utilization through appropriate disposal protocols.
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
Reduces manufacturing and maintenance costs, eliminates infection risks, and enables single-use endoscopes by ensuring effective positioning and locking of instruments without complex components.
Implementation Method 1
A force exerted on the elevator bends the proximal portion to deflect the distal portion without bending of the distal portion
Data Source
AI summary
In one aspect of the present disclosure, a device may include a shaft having a distal end, and a tip at the distal end of the shaft. The tip may include an opening defined by a surface of the tip. An instrument inserted through the shaft may extend distally out of the opening. The device also may include an elevator for engaging the instrument. The elevator may include a proximal end fixed relative to the surface of the tip, a proximal portion extending distally from the proximal end, and a distal portion extending distally from the proximal portion. A force exerted on the elevator bends the proximal portion to deflect the distal portion without bending of the distal portion.