Oblong Endoscope Sheath Self-Alignment Fluid Barrier
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing endoscope cleaning devices struggle to effectively clear debris from the imaging device of an endoscope, often leaving spots or droplets that impair vision during minimally invasive procedures.
Innovation Solution
An endoscope sheath with non-circular sections that self-align the endoscope, creating a channel or conduit for fluid and suction to clear debris from the imaging device, while positioning devices secure the endoscope and create a fluid barrier.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If conventional endoscope cleaning devices are used, then some debris may be removed from the imaging device, but spots or droplets remain that continue to impair vision
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning device segments the cleaning function into multiple components: a sheath with positioning devices that create a fluid barrier, and a separate cleaning mechanism that directs fluid flow across the imaging device surface. This segmentation allows for more effective complete debris removal compared to conventional single-component devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The sheath acts as an intermediary component that creates a controlled fluid barrier between the cleaning device and the imaging device. This intermediary structure enables precise fluid direction and enhances the cleaning effectiveness by ensuring complete debris removal without leaving spots or droplets.
2Reliability
If positioning devices are added to align the endoscope within the sheath, then a fluid barrier is created, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning devices create an asymmetric configuration within the sheath, with the endoscope positioned off-center to create a fluid barrier on one side. This asymmetric design enables effective fluid barrier creation while maintaining relatively simple device construction.
Solution Approach 2:
The positioning devices are designed to automatically create the fluid barrier when the endoscope is inserted into the sheath, without requiring additional manual adjustment or complex mechanisms. The system self-organizes to create the necessary fluid barrier, reducing overall device complexity.
3Ease of operation
If the sheath is designed with non-circular sections for self-alignment, then the endoscope aligns properly within the sheath, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The sheath incorporates non-circular cross-sectional sections with asymmetric geometry that guide and align the endoscope during insertion. This asymmetric design enables automatic self-alignment of the endoscope within the sheath, improving ease of operation while the precision requirements are managed through standardized manufacturing processes.
Data Source
AI summary
An endoscope sheath comprising: a proximal end; a distal end having a distal end region; a surface extending between and connecting the proximal end and the distal end; and a plurality of positioning devices located along the surface; wherein the sheath is configured to: (1) receive all or a portion of an endoscope having a cylindrical end and (2) provide a conduit for communicating fluid between the proximal end of the sheath and the distal end of the sheath when the endoscope is inserted inside the sheath; and wherein the distal end region of the sheath includes the plurality of positioning devices that secure the cylindrical end of the endoscope against a portion of an inner wall of the surface extending between the proximal end and the distal end so that a fluid barrier is created between the cylindrical end of the endoscope and the inner wall.