Modular Endoscope Bayonet Coupling for Simplified Reprocessing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Endoscopes face challenges in reprocessing, reliability, and cost due to material incompatibilities with sterilization methods, leading to single-use disposal and increased expenses.
Innovation Solution
A modular endoscope design comprising a handle and interchangeable sheaths with integrated imaging and illumination components, allowing for flexible tip deflection and auxiliary channels, enabling 'plug & play' operation and simplified reprocessing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If endoscopes are made from materials incompatible with heat sterilization, then the device can be manufactured with certain material properties, but the device cannot be sterilized by heat methods and must use low-temperature chemical sterilization instead
Solution Approach 1:
The endoscope is divided into modular components (handle, shaft, tip) that can be separated. The handle and shaft containing electronic components use chemical sterilization, while the tip with imaging sensors can be separately processed. This segmentation allows each component to be treated with appropriate sterilization methods based on material compatibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a single-use disposable tip component that is discarded after one use, eliminating the need for complex reprocessing of sensitive imaging components. The reusable handle and shaft can be chemically sterilized and reused, recovering expensive electronic components while discarding the contaminated disposable portion.
2Reliability
If the entire endoscope is discarded after single use, then sterilization and reprocessing concerns are eliminated, but the cost is greatly increased
Solution Approach 1:
The endoscope is segmented into reusable (handle, shaft) and disposable (tip with imaging sensor) components. Only the contaminated tip is discarded after single use, while the expensive handle and shaft are recovered and reused after chemical sterilization, significantly reducing overall device cost while maintaining sterilization assurance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies discarding and recovering by selectively discarding only the disposable tip component that contacts the patient, while recovering and reusing the handle and shaft through chemical sterilization processes, optimizing the balance between sterilization assurance and cost reduction.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the endoscope components are made with different materials, then the device can be optimized for specific functions, but the reprocessing becomes more complex due to material incompatibilities
Solution Approach 1:
The endoscope is segmented into modular components with different materials optimized for specific functions (electronic components in handle, flexible shaft, rigid tip). The segmentation allows each component to be processed separately with appropriate sterilization methods, reducing reprocessing complexity despite material diversity.
Solution Approach 2:
By making the tip component disposable, the patent eliminates the need to reprocess materials incompatible with standard sterilization methods. The reusable components are designed with materials compatible with chemical sterilization, simplifying the overall reprocessing protocol while maintaining functional optimization.
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
Enhances reliability, reduces reprocessing complexity, and lowers costs by allowing reusable components, while maintaining performance and flexibility for various medical procedures.
Implementation Method 1
an LED is embedded or located at the sheath and a light fiber bundle carries/transfers light down the light fiber bundle of the sheath thereby transmitting light to the tip to illuminate the area in front of the tip of the sheath
Data Source
AI summary
A modular endoscope including a handle and sheath that can be coupled or uncoupled using a bayonet connection. For example, when the handle and sheath are mated or coupled, the sheath has deflecting capability and tip angulation can be accomplished through the handle. The tip of the sheath is capable of being deflected to allow the tip to be pointed in a specific direction. The tip of the sheath, which is distal from the location where the sheath is coupled to the handle, includes an illumination element, an image capture element.