Portable Endoscope Side-Mounting for Disposable Imaging and Sterilization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional endoscopes require complex and expensive lens systems that need rigorous decontamination and disinfection, posing risks of cross-contamination and high costs, while disposable endoscopes are not cost-effective for single-use applications.
Innovation Solution
A portable endoscope design featuring a single-use portion with a rotatable cannula and imaging module, and a multiple-use handle with a snap-fit mechanism for secure electrical connection, allowing easy assembly and disassembly for sterilization, and compatibility with external imaging systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional lens systems are used in endoscopes, then imaging quality is improved, but cost and decontamination complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The endoscope is divided into two separate portions: a disposable single-use portion containing the imaging module, and a reusable multiple-use handle. This segmentation allows the imaging portion to be discarded after use, eliminating the need for complex decontamination procedures while maintaining imaging quality through dedicated imaging modules in each disposable unit.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs disposable single-use portions that contain the imaging module, cannula, and associated components. These disposable units are designed to be discarded after a single use, eliminating cross-contamination risks and decontamination requirements. The reusable handle contains only the electrical connector and display, reducing overall system complexity and cost.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If disposable endoscopes are used, then cross-contamination risk is reduced, but cost-effectiveness deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the endoscope into disposable and reusable portions, the patent reduces cross-contamination risk through disposal of the imaging portion while maintaining cost-effectiveness through reuse of the handle. This resolves the contradiction by making only the necessary components disposable (the imaging module and cannula) rather than the entire endoscope.
Solution Approach 2:
The disposable portion containing the imaging module is discarded after single use to eliminate cross-contamination risk. The reusable handle with electrical connector and display is recovered and reused across multiple procedures. This selective discarding and recovering approach balances infection control with cost-effectiveness.
3Measurement precision
If complex lens systems are used, then imaging performance is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses disposable imaging modules with simplified optical systems rather than expensive complex lens systems. Each disposable unit contains a complete imaging module that can be manufactured at lower cost and discarded after use, eliminating the need for expensive, precision-manufactured reusable lens systems while maintaining adequate imaging performance.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of manufacturing expensive reusable lens systems, the patent uses multiple copies of simplified imaging modules in disposable units. Each disposable unit contains a complete imaging module that replicates the necessary imaging function at lower cost, and these copies are discarded after use rather than being reused.
4Reliability
If rigid connection mechanisms are used, then connection reliability is improved, but ease of assembly and sterilization deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The separation of disposable and reusable portions with dedicated connection interfaces simplifies assembly and sterilization. The disposable portion connects to the reusable handle through standardized interfaces that are easy to assemble and disassemble, facilitating both ease of operation and sterilization of the reusable components.
Solution Approach 2:
The disposable portion is extracted as a separate unit that can be easily attached and detached from the reusable handle. This extraction allows for simple assembly procedures and enables complete removal of disposable components for sterilization of the reusable handle, improving both ease of operation and connection reliability.
Data Source
AI summary
A handheld endoscope has a disposable, single-use portion that includes a distal tip, cannula, housings, and a proximal port that is connected to a substantially straight working channel. The cannula is rotatable about the main longitudinal axis of the cannula. The endoscope also includes a re-usable portion that has a handle and display module. The single-use and re-usable portions mate and un-mate with each other via physical side-mounting arrangement as well as separate electrical connectors. The handle can house imaging system electronics that support manual and auto imaging modes which can be selected via touch screen control on the display module. The re-useable portion is sealed with various o-rings and/or gaskets and can be highly fluid resistant to facilitate disinfecting and/or sterilization.