Pivotable Endoscope Head for Prograde and Lateral Tool Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing endoscopes are complex and expensive, limited to specific applications, and pose hygiene risks due to sterilization challenges, particularly in procedures requiring both prograde and lateral orientations.
Innovation Solution
An endoscope head or endoscope head attachment with a pivoting device that allows the optics and working channel to swivel between prograde and lateral orientations, incorporating an anti-kinking mechanism and optional disposable design to address hygiene concerns.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If the camera unit and working channel unit are fixed rigidly relative to each other, then the structural stability is improved, but the adaptability for different surgical approaches deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The camera unit and working channel unit are connected via a pivotable joint that allows dynamic adjustment of the relative position and orientation between these units. This enables the endoscope to adapt to different surgical approaches while maintaining structural stability when positioned, as the joint provides both mobility for adjustment and stability during operation
2Area of stationary object
If the camera unit is positioned far from the working channel unit, then the field of view is improved, but the device length increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of extending the camera unit linearly along the endoscope axis, the pivotable joint allows the camera unit to be positioned in a different spatial dimension, perpendicular to the main axis. This enables a wider field of view without significantly increasing the overall device length, as the camera can be oriented at various angles relative to the working channel unit
3Manufacturing precision
If a rigid connection between camera unit and working channel unit is used, then the manufacturing precision is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The pivotable joint provides a controlled degree of freedom that allows the operator to adjust the camera unit's position and orientation easily during operation. Once positioned, the joint maintains precise alignment through its mechanical design, combining ease of adjustment with manufacturing precision in a single mechanism
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to an endoscope head or endoscope head attachment (2) for retrofitting a generally known endoscope having an existing internal endoscope head, wherein the endoscope head and/or the attachment has at least one individual optical unit (3) for image transmission; a lighting means (4); and a working channel (5) for guiding tools and/or for media to flow through. In addition, the endoscope head or attachment (2) according to the invention has an internal pivoting device (7) which is designed to pivot at least one section of the endoscope head or attachment (2) from a prograde orientation into a lateral or a retrograde orientation, in particular continuously. At least the optical unit (3) and the working channel (5) of the endoscope head or attachment (2) are coupled directly or indirectly to the pivoting device (7), so that they can be pivoted together with the latter.