Multi-endoscope Platform Coupling Adapter
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Solution Overview
Problem
The complexity of endoscope technologies often requires multiple connectors for coupling additional devices, leading to a cumbersome setup with multiple pieces of tubing and hoses, which can cause logistical errors and confusion in medical procedures.
Innovation Solution
The development of an adaptable coupling system that can connect to either female or male receivers, utilizing floating cylinders with biasing elements and O-rings to ensure a secure and fluid-tight seal, allowing for a single connector to manage multiple tubing sets across different endoscopic platforms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple connectors are used to support different endoscope technologies, then compatibility with various endoscope platforms is improved, but device complexity and procedural clutter increase
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter assembly integrates multiple connector types (first connector and second connector) into a single unified device that can couple to different endoscope platforms. The first connector couples to a first endoscope platform while the second connector couples to a second endoscope platform, allowing one adapter to perform multiple coupling functions that previously required separate connectors.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple separate connectors into a single integrated adapter assembly. The first connector and second connector are merged into one device body, eliminating the need to have multiple separate connectors available in the procedure suite. This merging reduces clutter while maintaining compatibility with multiple platforms.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple pieces of tubing and hoses are used for different connectors, then compatibility with various endoscope technologies is maintained, but ease of operation deteriorates due to procedural clutter
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter assembly serves multiple functions by incorporating both the first connector and second connector in one device. This allows a single adapter to interface with multiple endoscope platforms, eliminating the need for multiple separate connectors and their associated tubing sets, thereby simplifying the procedural setup.
Solution Approach 2:
By merging multiple connectors into one adapter assembly, the system reduces the number of separate tubing and hose assemblies needed in the procedure suite. This consolidation improves ease of operation by reducing clutter and the potential for logistical errors during procedures.
3Ease of operation
If a single connector is used to manage multiple tubing sets, then ease of operation is improved by reducing clutter, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter assembly is segmented into distinct functional components including the first connector, second connector, and adapter body. This segmentation allows each connector type to be independently designed for its specific interface requirements while being integrated into a single manufacturable assembly, balancing complexity management with functional integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The adapter body serves as an intermediary structure that connects the first connector and second connector. This intermediate component facilitates the integration of multiple connector types into a single assembly, managing the structural complexity while enabling the simplified operational benefits of a unified connector system.
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
This solution simplifies the connection process by reducing the number of required connectors, minimizing errors, and ensuring reliable fluid and gas delivery to endoscopes, enhancing procedural efficiency and reducing clutter in the procedure suite.
Implementation Method 1
a first biasing element disposed about an outer surface of the first floating cylinder and extending from a first end adjacent the first aperture of the planar head portion to a second end proximal to the distal tip of the first floating cylinder
Implementation Method 2
a first o-ring positioned at the distal tip of the first floating cylinder
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems for coupling a tube set to an endoscope. An illustrative adaptor for coupling a tube set to an endoscope may include a planar head portion having at least one aperture, at least one floating cylinder extending from a proximal end at least partially disposed within the at least one aperture of the planar head portion to a distal tip and having a first lumen extending therethrough, at least one O-ring positioned at the distal tip of the at least one floating cylinder, and at least one biasing element disposed about an outer surface of the at least one floating cylinder and extending from a first end adjacent the at least one aperture of the planar head portion to a second end proximal to the distal tip of the at least one floating cylinder.