Pivotable Endoscope Image Capturing Device Rear View

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional endoscopes typically provide only a forward view, limiting the ability of surgeons to obtain a clear rear view of the surgical field during minimally invasive procedures, often requiring additional incisions that can be detrimental and impractical.

Innovation Solution

A rigid endoscope with a pivotable image capturing device and handle mechanism that allows for adjustable viewing angles, enabling a rear view without the need for additional incisions, and an integrated imaging system for real-time image transmission and display.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a fixed-type endoscope is used, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but it can only provide a forward view and cannot obtain a rear view of the surgical field

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveviewing angleVSAvoidendoscope structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The endoscope incorporates a pivotable image capturing device that can rotate around the longitudinal axis of the rigid section, transforming the fixed viewing angle into a dynamic, adjustable one. This allows the endoscope to capture images from multiple directions including rear views while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The endoscope is divided into functional modules: a rigid section for structural support, a pivotable mechanism for angle adjustment, and an image capturing device for visualization. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently while contributing to the overall versatility of the system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If another endoscope is inserted to obtain a rear view, then the rear view can be obtained, but additional incisions are required which are detrimental and impractical

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverear view capabilityVSAvoidadditional incisions

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

A single endoscope is designed to perform multiple functions: both forward viewing and rear viewing capabilities are integrated into one device. The pivotable image capturing device enables the endoscope to orient itself in different directions, eliminating the need for multiple endoscopes and additional incisions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of inserting another endoscope from a different incision site to view the rear, the invention inverts the approach by making the single endoscope's image capturing device rotatable to face rearward directions, thereby achieving rear viewing through the same incision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

3Ease of operation

If a flexible-type endoscope is used, then the viewing portion can be manipulated, but it is difficult to determine the location and direction of the viewing portion

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveviewing portion manipulationVSAvoidviewing orientation

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The system incorporates orientation detection that provides feedback about the viewing portion's location and direction. This feedback mechanism allows the operator to accurately determine the spatial orientation of the image capturing device, solving the problem of unknown viewing direction while maintaining manipulation flexibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

4Adaptability or versatility

If the image capturing device is made pivotable, then rear view capability is achieved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveviewing directionVSAvoidmechanism structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The image capturing device is made dynamically adjustable through a pivotable mechanism that allows rotation around the longitudinal axis. This dynamic capability enables the endoscope to capture images from multiple angles including rear views while maintaining a relatively compact and manageable structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The pivotable mechanism is integrated into the existing endoscope structure, merging the angle adjustment function with the image capturing function. This combination reduces the need for separate components and minimizes overall device complexity while achieving multi-directional viewing capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS10278568B2Endoscope and system and method of operation thereof

Publication Date: 2019.05.07 CALIFORNIA INST OF TECH

AI summary

An endoscope includes a rigid section having an opening situated between two ends. The endoscope also includes a handle for manipulation and at the first end. An image capturing device is near the second end and is configured to provide a first view when pointed in a first direction. The image capturing device is moved with respect to a longitudinal axis of the rigid section in response to a movement of an extension portion of a shaft located in the opening and operatively coupling the handle and a first base part resulting from the manipulation of the handle. A fixing member is rigidly coupled to the rigid section and pivotably coupled to the first base part at a second pivot portion of the first base part, and a second base part is pivotably connected to the fixing member at a pivot portion of the second base part.