Medical Device Force Indicator with Spring and Visual Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current medical devices, such as endoscopes, face challenges in accurately measuring and controlling the force applied during insertion and withdrawal to avoid tissue damage or incomplete passage, as excessive force can cause perforation or tissue damage, while insufficient force may result in failure to pass or retract the device.
Innovation Solution
A force indicator system is integrated into the medical device, comprising a first and second portion with a spring mechanism, where the second portion is axially movable, and includes protrusions and channels with indicia to visually indicate the applied force, allowing medical professionals to gauge and adjust the insertion or withdrawal force in real-time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If excessive force is applied during insertion, then the device can pass through the body, but tissue perforation or damage occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a force indicator system that provides real-time visual feedback to the operator during insertion. The spring mechanism and indicia allow the operator to see the applied force level, enabling adjustment to prevent tissue damage while ensuring successful passage.
Solution Approach 2:
The force indicator uses visual indicia (such as color changes or marked positions) to indicate different force levels. This allows the operator to quickly perceive the current force application state and adjust accordingly to avoid tissue perforation.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If insufficient force is applied during insertion, then tissue damage is avoided, but the device fails to pass through the body
Solution Approach 1:
The force indicator provides continuous visual feedback during insertion, allowing the operator to monitor force levels and ensure sufficient force is applied to achieve passage while avoiding excessive force that could cause tissue damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring mechanism is pre-configured with the force indicator system, allowing the operator to understand the force requirements before insertion begins. The visual indicia are prepared in advance to guide the operator through the insertion process.
3Reliability
If excessive force is applied during withdrawal, then the device is fully retracted, but tissue damage or organ collapse occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The force indicator system operates bidirectionally, providing visual feedback during withdrawal to help the operator apply sufficient force for complete retraction while avoiding excessive force that could cause tissue damage or organ collapse.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If insufficient force is applied during withdrawal, then tissue damage is avoided, but the device is not fully retracted from the body
Solution Approach 1:
During withdrawal, the force indicator provides real-time visual feedback that helps the operator determine when sufficient force has been applied to achieve complete device retraction while avoiding tissue damage.
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
The force indicator system enables precise measurement and control of forces applied during medical procedures, helping to prevent tissue damage and ensure successful device passage by providing real-time visual feedback, allowing medical professionals to adjust forces appropriately.
Implementation Method 1
A spring may be located radially between the first portion and the second portion
Data Source
AI summary
A device may include a first portion coupled to a shaft of an insertable medical device. The first portion may extend along a first portion longitudinal axis between a proximal end and a distal end. The first portion may include a protrusion extending radially outwardly of the first portion longitudinal axis. At least a portion of the first portion may be received within a lumen of a second portion. The second portion may be axially moveable along the first portion longitudinal axis relative to the first portion. The second portion may include a longitudinally extending channel. A spring may be located radially between the first portion and the second portion.