Polymer Endoscopic Shaft Integrating Multiple Elements
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current endoscopic technologies face limitations due to the use of glass fibers, including large size, low durability, low flexibility, high cost, and non-disposability, which hinder their effectiveness and safety, particularly in terms of patient trauma, infection risk, and operational efficiency.
Innovation Solution
The development of a polymer endoscopic shaft, referred to as EndoFiber, which integrates multiple endoscopic elements within a common housing structure, allowing for reduced size, increased flexibility, and the potential for disposability, using various polymers and manufacturing methods to create a more reliable and cost-effective solution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If glass fibers are used for endoscopic elements, then imaging and light transmission functions are achieved, but the endoscope size becomes large and flexibility is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter from glass to polymer, which fundamentally alters the physical properties including size, flexibility, and durability. This material substitution enables the endoscope to achieve both functional reliability and reduced size simultaneously
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite polymer structures that integrate multiple endoscopic elements (imaging guides, light guides, lumens) within a unified polymer matrix, creating a composite material system that achieves both imaging functionality and mechanical flexibility
2Reliability
If glass fibers are used for endoscopic elements, then imaging guides and light guides are provided, but durability is low due to fractures and breaks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter from glass to polymer, which fundamentally alters the physical properties including size, flexibility, and durability. This material substitution enables the endoscope to achieve both functional reliability and reduced size simultaneously
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables disposable endoscopes by using polymer materials that can be manufactured at lower cost and disposed of after single use, eliminating the need for expensive reprocessing equipment and reducing infection risks associated with reusable glass-based endoscopes
3Reliability
If glass imaging guides are used, then imaging function is provided, but flexibility is low with large bend radius
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter from glass to polymer, which fundamentally alters the physical properties including size, flexibility, and durability. This material substitution enables the endoscope to achieve both functional reliability and reduced size simultaneously
4Productivity
If reusable endoscopes are used, then cost is reduced per procedure, but infection risk increases and reprocessing equipment is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables disposable endoscopes by using polymer materials that can be manufactured at lower cost and disposed of after single use, eliminating the need for expensive reprocessing equipment and reducing infection risks associated with reusable glass-based endoscopes
Data Source
AI summary
An endoscopic shaft having multiple endoscopic elements set in a polymer common housing. The endoscopic elements may be drawn with the common housing to manufacture a component, called an EndoFiber, which forms the length of the endoscopic shaft. A second structure, called an Endocap, may be provided that includes optical elements and which is attached to the end of the EndoFiber to form the shaft.