Modular Endoscope Segmentation for Sterilization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Endoscopes face challenges in sterilization, reliability, and cost due to their diverse materials, which restrict heat sterilization and require single-use disposal, leading to increased costs and inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
A modular endoscope design comprising a handle and a sheath with a coupling mechanism, allowing for flexible material choices and configurations, including wireless imaging, LED illumination, and a deflectable tip, which can be easily cleaned and reused, reducing costs and improving sterility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If endoscope is made of diverse materials to meet different functional requirements, then adaptability and versatility are improved, but sterilization capability deteriorates because heat sterilization cannot be applied
Solution Approach 1:
The endoscope is divided into modular components (handle, shaft, optics, auxiliary channels) that can be separated for sterilization. The shaft and handle can be detached to allow independent sterilization of each component, enabling heat sterilization of metal parts while using appropriate methods for other materials.
Solution Approach 2:
The endoscope design incorporates universal sterilization protocols that can handle multiple material types. The system is designed to accommodate both heat-resistant components (metal sheaths, connectors) and heat-sensitive components (optics, polymers), allowing the same device to undergo standardized sterilization processes.
2Reliability
If endoscope is designed for single-use disposal to ensure sterility and reliability, then sterilization capability is improved, but cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The modular design allows selective disposal of only the disposable components (such as the shaft or specific attachments) while recovering and reusing the expensive components (handle, electronics, optics). This partial disposal approach maintains sterility assurance while reducing waste and cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The disposable elements are extracted as separate, easily replaceable modules from the main endoscope body. This allows the permanent, expensive components to be removed from the sterilization/disposal cycle and reused, while only the necessary disposable parts are discarded after single use.
3Reliability
If endoscope components are made rigid and sealed for sterilization resistance, then sterilization capability is improved, but ease of cleaning and reuse deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The endoscope incorporates dynamic, movable components such as articulating joints, flexible shafts, and retractable elements that can be moved during cleaning to access hard-to-reach areas. This dynamic design allows thorough cleaning of surfaces that would otherwise be difficult to reach in rigid, sealed constructions.
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 modular design enhances cost-effectiveness, simplifies sterility processes, and improves reliability by allowing for flexible material choices, wireless imaging, and a deflectable tip, enabling efficient reuse and reducing the need for single-use disposal.
Implementation Method 1
The illumination source may be an LED at the tip of the sheath (along with a power source)
Implementation Method 2
an optical fiber bringing light from the LED 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 may be coupled or uncoupled. The tip of the sheath distal from the location where it is coupled to the handle includes an illumination element, an image capture element and a deflection element, allowing the distal tip to be pointed in a selected direction.