Modular Endoscope Segmentation for Procedure Versatility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional endoscopes have high acquisition and maintenance costs, and require multiple units for various imaging and therapeutic procedures, while disposable endoscopes generate biohazardous waste and are environmentally unfriendly.
Innovation Solution
A modular endoscope system comprising interchangeable control, insertion tube, and head sections with electronic coupling, allowing for versatility in procedures by combining different sections to perform multiple imaging and therapeutic tasks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple conventional endoscopes are acquired to provide various imaging and therapeutic procedures, then procedure versatility is improved, but acquisition cost and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The endoscope is divided into separate modular components (control section, insertion tube section, head section) that can be independently selected and combined. This segmentation allows a single base unit to perform multiple procedures by interchanging different sections, thereby achieving procedure versatility without requiring multiple complete endoscope systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The modular design creates a universal base endoscope that can be configured for multiple functions through interchangeable sections. The control section, insertion tube section, and head section can be combined in different configurations to provide various imaging and therapeutic procedures, making one endoscope system serve multiple purposes.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple conventional endoscopes are maintained, then procedure versatility is improved, but maintenance cost and operational complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the endoscope into reusable modular sections, maintenance costs are reduced compared to maintaining multiple complete endoscopes. Only the necessary sections need to be maintained for each procedure type, and the modular design facilitates easier cleaning, sterilization, and repair of individual components.
Solution Approach 2:
A single universal endoscope platform with interchangeable sections eliminates the need to maintain multiple specialized endoscopes. The same base unit can be configured for different procedures by changing sections, reducing overall maintenance burden while preserving procedure versatility.
3Device complexity
If disposable endoscopes are used, then acquisition cost is reduced, but biohazardous waste generation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The modular design allows selective replacement of only the head section (which contacts patient tissue) while retaining and reusing the control section and insertion tube section. This segmentation enables a reusable system that minimizes waste compared to complete disposable endoscopes, as only the contaminated section needs to be discarded or decontaminated.
Solution Approach 2:
The modular endoscope system facilitates selective discarding and recovering of components. The head section can be discarded or decontaminated after each use, while the control section and insertion tube section are recovered and reused across multiple procedures. This approach reduces biohazardous waste generation compared to complete disposable endoscopes.
Data Source
AI summary
A modular endoscope system is described which can allow a single modular endoscope system to perform several imaging and therapeutic procedures. The modular endoscope system includes one or more control sections, one or more insertion tube sections, and one or more head sections that are interchangeable and combinable with respect to an intended endoscopy procedure. These sections may be connected, and signals may transmit electronically between the sections. Further, the modular endoscope system may incorporate a “scope-by-wire” control system for the distal end of the insertion tube section. The one or more control sections, the one or more insertion tube sections, and the one or more head sections of the modular endoscope are interchangeable so that different control, insertion, and head sections can be combined to address the specific needs of a medical procedure.