Piezoelectric Endoscope Imaging Control for Adjustable Viewing Angles

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing endoscopic systems often have limited ability to provide both side-view and end-view of a target site, necessitating multiple devices and increasing procedure duration and risk of complications.

Innovation Solution

A medical device with a piezoelectric member that moves an imaging device relative to a longitudinal axis, allowing for adjustable viewing angles and simultaneous imaging of multiple fields of view using a single scope.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a single endoscope is used with a fixed imaging device, then the device complexity is reduced, but the field of view capability is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefield of view capabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The imaging device is made dynamically adjustable through piezoelectric actuators that enable real-time rotation and articulation changes, allowing the single endoscope to adapt its field of view between side-view, end-view, and intermediate angles as needed during the procedure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The endoscope system is designed to perform multiple imaging functions (side-view, end-view, and intermediate angles) using a single device with an adjustable imaging head, eliminating the need for multiple specialized devices while maintaining versatility across different procedural needs

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple imaging devices are used to provide multiple fields of view, then the field of view capability is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefield of view capabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple imaging functions that would traditionally require separate devices are merged into a single endoscope system with an articulation joint and adjustable imaging device, allowing the consolidation of multiple fields of view capabilities into one integrated platform

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The single endoscope system is designed to universally provide multiple fields of view (side-view, end-view, and intermediate angles) through its adjustable imaging mechanism, replacing the need for multiple specialized imaging devices

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple devices are used to provide multiple fields of view, then the imaging versatility is improved, but the procedure duration increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimaging versatilityVSAvoidprocedure duration

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The dynamic adjustment capability allows the operator to switch between different fields of view in real-time during the procedure without needing to exchange devices or reposition equipment, thereby reducing procedure duration while maintaining imaging versatility

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system is pre-configured with multiple imaging orientations and the ability to quickly switch between them, allowing the operator to have all necessary viewing angles readily available before and during the procedure, eliminating time-consuming device changes

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

4Adaptability or versatility

If multiple devices are used to provide multiple fields of view, then the imaging versatility is improved, but the risk of complications increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimaging versatilityVSAvoidrisk of complications

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

By merging multiple imaging functions into a single endoscope system, the number of device insertions, exchanges, and manipulations is reduced, thereby lowering the risk of infections, accidents, and other complications associated with using multiple devices

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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

Enhances viewing capabilities and reduces the need for multiple devices, potentially decreasing procedure duration and complications.

Implementation Method 1

a piezoelectric member connected to the imaging device, wherein movement of the piezoelectric member moves the imaging device in a first direction relative to the longitudinal axis

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPiezoelectric effect: Piezoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentUS12414678B2Medical device control mechanism and methods of use

Publication Date: 2025.09.16 BOSTON SCIENTIFIC SCIMED INC

AI summary

A medical device including a handle including an actuation device, a sheath extending from the handle and having a longitudinal axis, the sheath defining an imaging lumen extending from the handle to a distal end of the sheath, an imaging device at a distal end of the sheath, and a piezoelectric member connected to the imaging device, where movement of the piezoelectric member moves the imaging device in a first direction relative to the longitudinal axis.