Movable Endoscopic Accessory Channel for Low-Friction Navigation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Duodenoscopes face issues such as significant friction and force transmission loss due to sharp bends, difficulty in navigation due to side-facing cameras, limited accessory channels, and cumbersome cleaning, which affect maneuverability and hygiene.
Innovation Solution
An endoscope system with movable accessory channels that can switch between forward- and side-viewing configurations, a flexible distal portion that can bend and rotate, and a design that allows for easy cleaning or disposability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional duodenoscope with fixed side-facing camera and single accessory channel is used, then device complexity is reduced, but maneuverability and operational efficiency deteriorate due to sharp bends causing friction and force transmission loss
Solution Approach 1:
The accessory channel is designed to be movable relative to the elongate tube, allowing it to switch between a first configuration (reducing friction for tool advancement) and a second configuration (optimizing for camera viewing). This dynamic reconfiguration enables the system to adapt to different operational requirements without requiring multiple fixed channels, thereby improving maneuverability while controlling device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The single accessory channel serves multiple functions by reconfiguring between different positions: it can optimize for tool advancement with reduced friction, or optimize for camera viewing angles. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated channels for each function, improving operational efficiency while maintaining relatively simple device architecture.
2Loss of energy
If accessory channel is fixed in one configuration, then device complexity is reduced, but friction and force transmission loss increase when tools must be bent sharply
Solution Approach 1:
The accessory channel incorporates movable components that allow it to change configuration based on operational needs. When tool advancement is required, the channel can be positioned to minimize bends and reduce friction, thereby reducing force transmission loss. The dynamic nature of this reconfiguration achieves energy efficiency without requiring permanently complex structural arrangements.
3Productivity
If single accessory channel is used, then device complexity is reduced, but productivity deteriorates due to time-intensive accessory changes
Solution Approach 1:
The single accessory channel is designed to perform multiple functions by reconfiguring between different positions and orientations. It can optimize for different tool types, camera viewing angles, and procedural requirements without requiring separate dedicated channels. This multi-functionality allows rapid adaptation during procedures, improving productivity by eliminating the need for time-consuming accessory changes while maintaining relatively simple device architecture.
4Ease of manufacture
If traditional duodenoscope design is used, then ease of cleaning is reduced, but manufacturing precision requirements are lowered
Solution Approach 1:
The duodenoscope is designed with separable components, particularly the accessory channel that can be moved or removed from the elongate tube. This segmentation allows different parts to be independently cleaned and sterilized, improving cleaning efficiency by enabling access to previously hard-to-reach areas. The modular design maintains manufacturing feasibility by using standard connection interfaces and assembly methods.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
A scope system is provided including an elongate tube with a distal portion and a lumen extending therethrough. The scope system also includes at least one accessory channel including a tubular structure with an accessory lumen extending therethrough, the at least one accessory channel movably disposed at least partially within the lumen of the elongate tube. The at least one accessory channel includes a distal section and a forward-viewing configuration and a side- viewing configuration. In the forward-viewing configuration, the distal section of the at least one accessory channel is substantially parallel to the distal portion of the elongate tube and in the side-viewing configuration, the distal section of the at least one accessory channel is arced at a radius greater than a radius of the distal portion of the elongate tube.