Multi-viewing Element Endoscope Tip with Manifold Housing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current endoscopes, such as colonoscopes, have limited fields of view and restricted access for surgical tools, while also facing challenges in efficiently packing all necessary elements in the tip section without compromising functionality.
Innovation Solution
The development of a compact multi-viewing element endoscope system featuring a modular tip section with a manifold housing that includes multiple fluidically isolated channels and image sensors, allowing for a broader field of view and enhanced access for surgical tools.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple image sensors and fluid channels are included in the tip section, then the field of view and surgical tool access are improved, but the device complexity and packing efficiency are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The tip section is divided into multiple independent viewing elements (front, first side, second side image sensors) that can capture images from different directions simultaneously. This segmentation allows the endoscope to achieve multi-directional viewing capability without requiring a single complex sensor, thereby improving field of view while managing complexity through modular arrangement
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces side viewing elements positioned at angular orientations (e.g., 45 degrees) relative to the front viewing element. This spatial dimensionality change enables the system to capture images from multiple perspectives simultaneously, effectively expanding the field of view and improving surgical tool access without proportionally increasing the longitudinal length of the endoscope
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple fluid channels are added for different functions, then the functionality is improved, but the packing efficiency and compactness are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple fluid channels (irrigation channel, suction channel, jet channel) are merged into a single manifold structure at the tip section. This consolidation allows different fluid functions to share common structural support and routing pathways, reducing the overall volume required compared to having separate channel systems, thereby improving packing efficiency while maintaining multi-functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The manifold structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural support for the tip section, routes multiple fluid channels (irrigation, suction, jet), and positions viewing elements. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated structures for each function, improving space utilization and compactness
Data Source
AI summary
The present specification is directed towards endoscopes, such as colonoscopes, that provide a broader field of view and allow extended access of surgical tools and also enable efficient packing of all necessary elements in the tip section, while maintaining their functionality. Also described are methods and systems for capturing and displaying still and video images using an endoscope corresponding to a left-side looking, a front-looking and a right-side looking viewing element of an endoscopic tip generated in a native aspect ratio.