Endoscopic Ligator Coupling Cover for Faster Attachment

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional endoscope systems require burdensome and time-consuming tasks for attaching treatment instruments, particularly in conditions with contamination, leading to interruptions in medical procedures like EVL treatment.

Innovation Solution

An endoscope system with a coupling thread and distal end cover configuration that simplifies the attachment process by allowing the coupling thread to be pre-inserted through the treatment instrument channel, with a distal end cover that securely fixes and releases the coupling portion, enabling easy coupling with the distal end head and winder.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If conventional attachment methods are used for endoscopic ligators, then the treatment instrument can be attached to the endoscope, but the attachment process becomes burdensome and time-consuming with multiple complex tasks

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of attaching treatment instrumentVSAvoidcomplexity of attachment process

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The attachment system is divided into separate functional modules: the coupling thread with coupling portion, the distal end cover with groove, and the distal end head. This segmentation allows each component to be independently prepared and attached in a simplified sequence, reducing the overall complexity of the attachment process while maintaining secure connection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The coupling thread is pre-inserted through the treatment instrument channel and positioned at the distal end before the actual attachment of the distal end head. The distal end cover is also pre-positioned to cover the coupling portion. These preliminary actions prepare the system in advance, so that when attachment is needed, only the final coupling step is required, significantly reducing attachment time and complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If multiple tasks are performed for attaching the endoscopic ligator, then the treatment instrument can be securely attached, but the procedural time increases and causes interruptions in treatment

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereliability of attachmentVSAvoidtime for attachment process

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The coupling thread is pre-inserted through the treatment instrument channel and positioned at the distal end before the actual attachment of the distal end head. The distal end cover is also pre-positioned to cover the coupling portion. These preliminary actions prepare the system in advance, so that when attachment is needed, only the final coupling step is required, significantly reducing attachment time while maintaining reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The distal end cover automatically secures the coupling portion when it is positioned over the distal end of the insertion section, without requiring additional fastening operations. The groove in the distal end cover naturally engages with the coupling portion, creating a self-securing mechanism that reduces the number of steps needed for reliable attachment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Ease of operation

If the coupling thread is pre-inserted through the treatment instrument channel, then the attachment process is simplified, but the coupling portion needs to be securely fixed at the distal end

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of coupling thread insertionVSAvoidsecurity of coupling portion fixation

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The distal end cover acts as an intermediary component between the coupling thread and the distal end head. It provides the groove that mechanically engages with the coupling portion, securing it in place. This intermediary structure ensures reliable fixation without requiring complex fastening mechanisms, maintaining both ease of operation and security of fixation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The distal end cover automatically secures the coupling portion when it is positioned over the distal end of the insertion section, without requiring additional fastening operations. The groove in the distal end cover naturally engages with the coupling portion, creating a self-securing mechanism that reduces the number of steps needed for reliable attachment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS12599385B2Endoscope system and endoscopic ligator attachment method

Publication Date: 2026.04.14 OLYMPUS MEDICAL SYST CORP

AI summary

An endoscope system of the disclosure includes an endoscope including an insertion section, and a coupling thread extending along the insertion section. The coupling thread includes a coupling portion at a distal end of the coupling thread, and a thread portion extending proximally from the coupling portion. The endoscope system includes a distal end cover on a distal end portion of the insertion section. At least a part of the distal end cover moves on an outer surface of the distal end portion. The distal end cover partially covers the coupling portion.