Porous Tip Protector for Endoscopes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tip protectors for endoscopes and borescopes are either ineffective in preventing damage or compromise the instrument's cleanliness, with issues such as moisture absorption, difficulty in installation, and hindrance of air flow, leading to potential contamination and damage during handling and storage.
Innovation Solution
A tip protector device with a guard portion, gripping members, and connection members that allow easy attachment and removal, while preventing contact with the end face and promoting air flow, made from a plastics material with apertures to enhance drainage and prevent biofilm formation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a foam or sponge material is used to cushion the tip, then protection from knocks is improved, but moisture absorption increases leading to microorganism harbouring
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a porous plastic material with controlled pore structure that provides cushioning protection while allowing moisture to pass through. The material's porosity enables drainage and aeration, preventing moisture accumulation and microorganism growth while maintaining mechanical protection capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The tip protector is designed with different regional properties: the distal portion has higher density for structural support and protection, while the proximal portion has lower density for flexibility and moisture management. This gradient structure optimizes both protection and moisture resistance.
2Strength
If an expandable plastic mesh sleeve is used, then resilience and protection from knocks are improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to difficulty in putting on and removing
Solution Approach 1:
The tip protector incorporates a flexible hinge joint that allows the device to dynamically adapt during attachment and removal. The hinge enables the protector to flex open for easy placement onto the tip and flex closed for secure fitting, while maintaining structural integrity during use.
Solution Approach 2:
The protector is constructed from a flexible plastic material that can elastically deform during attachment and removal operations. This flexibility allows the device to be easily placed onto the tip without damage while providing rigid protection when in position.
3Strength
If a mesh sleeve is used to protect the tip, then protection from damage is improved, but air flow is hindered affecting drying and aeration
Solution Approach 1:
The protector utilizes a porous plastic structure with interconnected voids that allow free air flow and moisture evaporation. The porous architecture provides mechanical protection while maintaining permeability for aeration and drying, preventing biofilm formation.
Solution Approach 2:
The device combines rigid protective elements with porous breathable material, creating a composite structure that delivers both mechanical strength and air flow permeability. The composite design enables simultaneous protection and aeration functions.
Data Source
AI summary
This invention relates to a tip protector for an instrument such as an endoscope or borescope. A tip protector device for an instrument comprises a guard portion engagable with a tip of an instrument, the guard portion including an abutment surface arranged to contact the tip such that a part of the guard portion extends distally of an end face of the tip, and the guard portion being configured to prevent contact between the guard portion and a central portion of the end face; gripping members arranged to grip a part of a shaft of the instrument; a first connection member; and a second connection member, the first and second connection members being movable relative to each other between a first, disengaged position in which the tip of the instrument can be inserted into and removed from the tip protector device, and a second, gripping position in which the gripping members contact and grip the shaft of the instrument, wherein, the first and second connection members are biased in the first or the second position.