Medical Operation Device Hands-Free Endoscope Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing medical endoscope systems require surgeons to manually control the insertion portion, making it difficult to release hands for other operations and maintaining a secure grip while preventing body fluid and dirt adherence, which complicates the handling and movement of the endoscope.

Innovation Solution

A medical operation device with a rotary cylinder, insertion portion pressing member, mounting section cover, and rotation mechanism that allows for secure attachment and detachment of the insertion portion, enabling hands-free operation and preventing contamination by using a nitrogen gas-filled air bag for fixation and a flexible cover for easy cleaning.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the surgeon manually controls the insertion portion, then the endoscope can be positioned and oriented, but the surgeon cannot release hands for other operations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehands-free operationVSAvoidoperation device structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The insertion portion holding tool automatically maintains grip on the insertion portion through elastic force of a spring, without requiring continuous manual control. The tool self-adjusts to hold the insertion portion securely while allowing the surgeon to perform other operations hands-free.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The operation instructing device serves as an intermediary between the surgeon and the endoscope functions. It translates surgeon inputs into control signals for the endoscope, allowing the surgeon to operate the endoscope through the tool rather than directly manipulating the insertion portion.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If the insertion portion is securely held by the holding tool, then stable operation is achieved, but the surgeon cannot easily detach or reposition it

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecure attachmentVSAvoiddetachment and repositioning

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The holding tool provides dynamic holding capability where the elastic spring allows automatic adjustment and secure gripping during operation, while the release button mechanism enables easy detachment when needed. The system transitions between secure hold and easy release states based on operational requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Ease of operation

If the mounting section is directly exposed, then easy access is provided, but body fluid and dirt adherence occurs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemounting accessVSAvoidcontamination

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

A flexible protective cover is provided that can be easily attached and detached. The cover protects the mounting section from contamination by body fluids and dirt during operation, while allowing easy access when needed for mounting or maintenance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

4Device complexity

If the operation device is integrated with the insertion portion, then compact design is achieved, but cleaning and maintenance become difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveintegrated structureVSAvoidcleaning and maintenance

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The system is divided into separable components: the operation instructing device, the insertion portion holding tool, and the endoscope. This segmentation allows the protective cover to be easily removed for cleaning the mounting section, while maintaining a compact integrated appearance during operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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 hands-free operation of the endoscope, improves handling by allowing secure attachment and detachment, and prevents contamination by using a nitrogen gas-filled air bag for fixation and a flexible cover for easy cleaning, enhancing the usability and hygiene of the endoscope system.

Implementation Method 1

using a nitrogen gas-filled air bag for fixation

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPneumatic pressure: Pressurisation

Data Source

PatentUS8986195B2Medical operation device

Publication Date: 2015.03.24 OLYMPUS CORPORATION(JP)

AI summary

A medical operation device is attachable to an insertion portion of a medical instrument for observation. The medical operation device includes: rotary cylinder rotatably disposed in device main body that has insertion portion inserting hole through which insertion portion is inserted; insertion portion pressing member that presses insertion portion inside rotary cylinder; insertion portion mounting section cover provided inside insertion portion inserting hole that prevents insertion portion directly touching inner face of insertion portion inserting hole, vicinity of opening of insertion portion inserting hole, and insertion portion pressing member; switching instruction portion that switches whether insertion portion pressing member presses insertion portion to specify state where rotary cylinder and insertion portion are united and state where insertion portion moves forward/rearward with respect to rotary cylinder; and rotation mechanism that, when rotary cylinder and insertion portion are united, rotates rotary cylinder to rotate insertion portion unified with rotary cylinder around insertion portion axis.