Motor-Driven Endoscope Accessory Insertion System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Manual insertion of endoscope accessories into the accessory channel is time-consuming and requires skill, leading to variability in treatment outcomes depending on the operator's expertise.
Innovation Solution
An endoscopy system with a motor-driven operating device, forward/backward moving device, and control device that allows for programmable operation of accessories, reducing the need for manual dexterity and skill, by using a control unit with stored operation programs and an operation instructing device with manual and program operation units.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual insertion of accessory sheath is performed, then operator can control insertion process, but insertion time increases and requires high skill level
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical insertion operation with an automated mechanical insertion device. The device includes a guide tube that automatically guides the accessory sheath into the endoscope accessory channel, eliminating the need for manual manipulation. This substitution of manual mechanical operation with automated mechanical insertion directly resolves the contradiction by reducing both insertion time and the skill level required while maintaining ease of operation.
2Reliability
If manual operation of treating member is performed, then operator can adjust treatment based on experience, but treatment outcome varies with operator skill
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a treatment execution device with pre-programmed treatment programs that automatically execute treatments based on stored protocols. The system includes a memory unit storing multiple treatment programs and a control unit that automatically selects and executes the appropriate program. This self-service automation eliminates dependence on operator experience and skill, ensuring consistent and reliable treatment outcomes while reducing the operational burden on the operator.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates digital copies of expert treatment protocols and stores them in a memory unit. These copied treatment programs encapsulate the knowledge and techniques of experienced operators. When a treatment program is executed, it reproduces the expert treatment sequence automatically, allowing less experienced operators to achieve treatment results comparable to experts without requiring years of training.
3Productivity
If automated insertion device is added, then insertion efficiency improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the automated insertion device and treatment execution device as multi-functional integrated systems. The control unit serves multiple functions: it controls the automated insertion mechanism, manages the memory unit containing treatment programs, selects appropriate treatment protocols, and executes treatments. This consolidation of multiple functions into a single control system improves insertion efficiency and treatment productivity while minimizing the increase in overall device complexity through functional integration.
Data Source
AI summary
An endoscopy system includes: a motor-driven operating device that an operation section of an accessory is attachable to, the operating device operating the operation section in a motor-driven manner, the accessory having an accessory insertion section to be introduced into a body cavity through an insertion section of an endoscope; a motor-driven forward/backward moving device, arranged in an operation section of the endoscope, for moving the accessory insertion section forward or backward in a motor-driven manner; a control device electrically connected to the motor-driven forward/backward moving device and the motor-driven operating device, the control device including a control unit for outputting control signals to the forward/backward moving device and the operating device and a memory unit for storing one or more treatment operation programs corresponding to accessories to be mounted on the motor-driven forward/backward moving device; and an operation instructing device electrically connected to the control device, the operation instructing device including a first operation instructing unit for outputting a first instruction signal corresponding to the operation of a manual operation unit and a second operation instructing unit for outputting a second instruction signal.