Oral Probe Support Structure for Stable Endoscope Positioning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Medical procedures involving probes and endoscopes introduced through the mouth are uncomfortable for patients, often requiring sedation and manual counteraction of muscle displacement, which complicates precise positioning and increases operator workload.

Innovation Solution

A device with a first and second channel part, featuring a mechanism to securely hold and a mechanism for displacing a first wall section between its first and second positions, which the said device comprising a pull wall section, designed to facilitate the controlled constriction of the first and second positions, allowing for the support of probe and/or endoscope parts, with a pull wire mechanism to prevent displacement and enable rotational motion.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If manual counteraction is used to prevent probe displacement, then probe positioning stability is improved, but operator workload increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprobe positioning stabilityVSAvoidoperator workload
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The bite block device is designed to automatically counteract muscle forces without requiring continuous manual intervention. The mechanical structure of the bite block with its channel parts and wall sections provides self-stabilizing functionality, allowing the system to maintain probe positioning through its inherent design rather than requiring constant operator adjustment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The bite block acts as an intermediary device between the patient's involuntary muscle reactions and the ultrasound probe. It mechanically transmits and counteracts the forces generated by patient movements, serving as a mediator that protects the probe from displacement without requiring direct operator involvement in each adjustment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If frequent manual repositioning is performed, then probe positioning accuracy is improved, but total operating time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprobe positioning accuracyVSAvoidtotal operating time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The bite block is pre-configured with channel parts and wall sections designed to maintain probe positioning throughout the procedure. The structural design anticipates and prevents displacement before it occurs, eliminating the need for frequent corrective repositioning actions during the actual diagnostic or treatment procedure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Device complexity

If the bite block structure is simplified, then device complexity is reduced, but ability to prevent probe displacement worsens

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice complexityVSAvoidprobe displacement prevention
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The bite block is divided into functional segments: a first channel part for probe passage, a second channel part with a movable wall section, and a mechanism for displacing the wall section. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function while maintaining overall structural simplicity and ease of manufacture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The wall section is designed to be movable between different positions rather than being completely rigid. This dynamic element can adjust to accommodate different probe positions and patient movements while still providing adequate support and stabilization, balancing structural simplicity with functional effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP4663090A1A device for supporting probe and/or endoscope parts of medical devices introduced through the mouth of a patient
Publication Date: 2025.12.17 ECHOVICE APS
  • EP4663090A1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1B
  • EP4663090A1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2B
  • EP4663090A1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3B

AI summary

The present invention relates to a device for supporting probe and/or endoscope parts of medical devices introduced through the mouth of a patient.