Multi-viewing Endoscope Tip with Nested Side Elements
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing endoscopes have a limited field of view and are complicated in packing all necessary elements within the small-sized tip section, making it difficult to effectively detect and operate on pathological objects within body cavities.
Innovation Solution
A multi-viewing elements endoscope with a tip section featuring a front-pointing viewing element, a discrete front illuminator, a side-pointing viewing element, a discrete side illuminator, a working channel for surgical tools, and fluid injectors for cleaning and inflating the body cavity, allowing for a broader field of view and improved detection of pathological objects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple viewing elements and functional components are added to the tip section, then the field of view and detection capability are improved, but the device complexity and packing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements nesting by placing the side-pointing viewing element inside the protective sheath that surrounds the front-pointing viewing element. The sheath acts as a housing that contains the side viewing element while protecting the front viewing element, effectively nesting one component within another to reduce overall device complexity while maintaining multiple viewing angles
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a side-pointing viewing element that provides a lateral viewing angle in addition to the front-pointing element's forward view. This dimensional addition allows the system to detect pathological objects from multiple spatial perspectives without requiring multiple separate endoscopes, thereby improving versatility while managing complexity through integrated design
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the tip section is made smaller for minimally invasive procedures, then patient trauma is reduced, but the packing of electronics and fluid elements becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The protective sheath serves as a nested structure that houses the side-pointing viewing element and its associated fluid injector within the limited space of the tip section. This nesting approach allows multiple functional components to be accommodated in a compact configuration that maintains minimal patient trauma while providing comprehensive functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The protective sheath performs multiple functions: it protects the front-pointing viewing element from damage, houses the side-pointing viewing element, and provides a pathway for fluid injection. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, thereby simplifying packing within the small tip section while maintaining all necessary functions for minimally invasive procedures
Data Source
AI summary
There is provided herein a tip section of a multi-viewing element endoscope, the tip section comprising: two or more side-pointing viewing elements positioned at or in proximity to a distal end of said tip section, wherein each of said two or more side-pointing viewing elements having a discrete illuminator associated therewith, wherein the field of view provided by the two or more side-pointing viewing elements covers a front and side views; a working channel configured for insertion of a surgical tool; and a pathway fluid injector for inflating and/or cleaning a body cavity into which the endoscope is inserted.