Powered Endoscopic Deployment With Motorized Haptic Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing endoscopic devices often face compatibility issues with accessory devices due to physical and programmable incompatibilities, leading to difficulties in simultaneous operation and lack of tactile feedback during powered procedures.
Innovation Solution
The integration of a motorized endoscopic deployment device with a movable carrier and vibration motors that provide haptic feedback, allowing for actuation of end effectors through a carrier channel and generating vibrations based on motor angular position, enhancing compatibility and usability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If motorized actuation is used to control end effectors, then precision and ease of operation are improved, but loss of tactile feedback occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements haptic feedback by incorporating vibration motors that provide tactile sensations to the operator. The vibration motors receive signals from the motor controller based on the position and movement of the end effector, and transmit this information back to the operator through the handle, creating a closed-loop feedback system that restores tactile awareness during motorized operations
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces direct mechanical tactile feedback with an electronic haptic feedback system using vibration motors. Instead of relying on natural mechanical contact sensations, the system uses controlled vibrations generated by the vibration motors to simulate tactile feedback, substituting a mechanical sensing approach with an actuation-based haptic system
2Adaptability or versatility
If accessory devices are made compatible with the endoscopic device, then versatility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal interface system where the endoscopic device handle can accommodate multiple types of accessory devices through standardized mechanical and electronic connections. The motor controller is designed to work with various end effectors, enabling one handle design to support multiple functions including retrieval devices, laser fibers, and other therapeutic tools
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a nested configuration where accessory devices are inserted into and mounted on the endoscopic handle. The handle contains integrated mounting structures and channels that accommodate the accessory devices within its body, creating a compact nested arrangement where the accessory devices are housed within the handle's structural framework
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables seamless operation of endoscopic devices with accessory tools by providing tactile feedback, improving ergonomic control and compatibility, and ensuring precise manipulation of end effectors.
Implementation Method 1
At least one vibration motor may generate vibrations as an angular position of the motor changes
Data Source
AI summary
An endoscopic deployment device includes a body mountable on an endoscopic device, the body having a movable carrier couplable to an end effector device, the end effector device having an end effector shaft covered by an outer sheath and an end effector extending from a distal end of the end effector shaft, the outer sheath being sized and shaped for insertion through a working channel of the endoscopic device, the body having a carrier channel for the carrier to slide therein, wherein the end effecter is actuatable between an open position and a closed position; and a motor having a drive shaft coupled to the carrier, rotation of the drive shaft sliding the carrier in the carrier channel and actuating the end effector in response to a signal from one or more actuation buttons; wherein at least one vibration motor generates vibrations as an angular position of the motor changes.