Endoscope Interface with Pivotable Accessory Port for Ergonomic Use
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Solution Overview
Problem
Surgical instruments, particularly endoscopes, require complex and awkward movements due to fixed accessory ports and lack of ergonomic design, limiting operator flexibility and comfort during use.
Innovation Solution
An operating interface with a pivotable accessory port integrated in the housing, allowing fluid transmission and rotation about an axis, separate from the handle, enabling ergonomic use and reducing interference from accessories.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the accessory port is fixed in the housing, then the structure is simple and reliable, but the operator flexibility and ergonomics are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The accessory port is designed to be pivotable relative to the housing about a rotation axis, transforming it from a fixed static structure to a dynamic adjustable one. This allows the accessory port to be positioned in different orientations (e.g., anteriorly or posteriorly) depending on the surgical task, thereby improving operator flexibility and ergonomics without requiring complete structural redesign of the entire housing.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the accessory port is integrated in the housing, then the connection is stable and reliable, but the accessibility for accessories is limited
Solution Approach 1:
By making the accessory port pivotable relative to the housing, the design allows dynamic adjustment of the port's orientation. This enables accessories to be connected from different directions (anteriorly or posteriorly) while maintaining a stable integrated connection within the housing structure, thus improving both adaptability and accessibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The accessory port is designed as a separate pivotable component integrated into the housing, allowing it to be positioned independently from the main housing body. This segmentation enables the accessory port to be optimally positioned for different surgical scenarios without affecting the overall housing structure, thereby improving accessibility for various accessories.
3Ease of operation
If the operating interface is rigidly connected to the insertion tube, then the structural integrity is maintained, but the ergonomic performance is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The accessory port is designed to pivot relative to the housing about a rotation axis, allowing dynamic adjustment of its position. This dynamic capability enables the operating interface to be adapted to different ergonomic requirements and surgical positions, improving operator comfort and flexibility while maintaining the necessary structural integrity through the pivot mechanism.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides an operating interface (1) for a surgical instrument (100), in particular for an endoscope, comprising: a housing (2) having a first part (2a) and a second part (2b), which is mountable to the first part (2a); and an accessory port (3) for transmitting fluids between an inside and an outside of the housing (2), wherein the accessory port (3) is integrated in the housing (2) and pivotable about a rotation axis (X) in relation to the housing (2). Further the present invention provides a surgical instrument (100) comprising such an operating interface (1) as well as a method for manufacturing an operating interface for a surgical instrument.