Quick-Connect Endoscope Sub-Assemblies for Accurate Reassembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional endoscopes face difficulties in disassembly, re-constructability, and accuracy of reconstruction, hindering recycling and remanufacturing efforts due to the lack of quick-connect sub-assemblies that facilitate easy disassembly and sanitation.
Innovation Solution
Endoscopes with quick-connect couplings between components such as the control head, umbilical cord, and insertion tube, allowing for fluidic, optical, and electrical communication, enabling easy disassembly and sanitation for recycling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional endoscope designs are used, then the endoscope can perform clinical procedures, but the endoscope is difficult to disassemble and reconstruct
Solution Approach 1:
The endoscope is divided into separate modular components including a control head assembly and an insertion tube assembly that can be easily detached from each other. Each module contains its own articulation wire channels and control mechanisms, allowing independent handling, cleaning, and reconstruction of the complete endoscope system.
2Reliability
If conventional endoscope designs are used, then the endoscope can perform clinical procedures, but the accuracy of reconstruction is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The control head assembly and insertion tube assembly are designed with standardized universal interfaces that include aligned articulation wire channels and complementary coupling features. This universality ensures that when the modules are reconnected, the articulation wires automatically align and communicate mechanically, guaranteeing accurate reconstruction of the endoscope's articulation functionality.
3Loss of substance
If endoscopes are designed for recycling, then medical waste is reduced, but the disassembly process becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The endoscope is divided into separate modular components including a control head assembly and an insertion tube assembly that can be easily detached from each other. Each module contains its own articulation wire channels and control mechanisms, allowing independent handling, cleaning, and reconstruction of the complete endoscope system.
Solution Approach 2:
The modular design enables selective recovery and reuse of valuable components such as the control head with its expensive articulation wire mechanisms, while less critical components can be replaced or disposed of. This facilitates efficient recycling processes by allowing hospitals to recover and remanufacture high-value modules.
4Ease of operation
If quick-connect couplings are used, then disassembly and reassembly are facilitated, but the complexity of the coupling mechanism increases
Solution Approach 1:
The quick-connect coupling mechanism is segmented into complementary male and female coupling features with integrated alignment guides and interlocking elements. The coupling includes protrusions and recesses that automatically align the articulation wire channels when the control head and insertion tube are connected, providing a user-friendly interface without excessive complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
An assembly can include a first component having at least one drainage channel and at least one fluid channel. The assembly can also include a second component having at least one drainage channel and at least one fluid channel. The assembly can also include a quick-connect coupling. The quick-connect coupling can be configured to couple the first component and the second component, fluidically connect the at least one drainage channel of the first component to the at least one drainage channel of the second component, and fluidically connect the at least one fluid channel of the first component to the at least one fluid channel of the second component.