Rapid Exchange Endoscope with Oppositely Threaded Nuts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing endoscopes with detachable handles face complexity in alignment and latching procedures, lack of tactile feedback, and mechanical stress on control wires, making tip control and endotracheal tube exchange challenging, especially in critical conditions.
Innovation Solution
A rapid-exchange detachable endoscope with a transmission system featuring oppositely threaded linear translation nuts and a simple detachment mechanism, allowing for quick exchange of endotracheal tubes and providing mechanical feedback through a pulley-like system for precise tip control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a detachable handle design is used to allow quick exchange of endotracheal tubes, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases due to alignment and latching procedures
Solution Approach 1:
The endoscope is divided into a handle assembly and a shaft assembly that can be quickly separated and reconnected. The handle assembly contains the control mechanisms while the shaft assembly contains the endotracheal tube, allowing independent exchange of components without complex disassembly procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The endotracheal tube is extracted as a separate, easily replaceable component within the shaft assembly. This allows the tube to be removed and exchanged without detaching the entire shaft from the handle, maintaining connection stability while enabling quick tube replacement.
2Reliability
If a complex alignment and latching procedure is used to ensure proper connection, then the reliability is improved, but the time required for exchange increases
Solution Approach 1:
Alignment features such as guide rails, alignment pins, or keyed interfaces are pre-configured in the handle and shaft assemblies. This preliminary alignment arrangement ensures that when the components are brought together, they automatically align correctly without requiring manual adjustment or complex procedures, thus maintaining reliability while reducing exchange time.
Solution Approach 2:
Complex multi-step latching mechanisms are replaced with simpler connection systems such as bayonet-style connectors, snap-fit interfaces, or quick-release latches that provide reliable connection through a single rotational or pressing motion, significantly reducing the time required for attachment and detachment.
3Ease of operation
If capstan drive with distal motor is used for tip control, then the ease of operation is improved, but the mechanical stress on control wires increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanical capstan drive system with control wires is replaced by a distal motor located at the tip of the shaft. This motor directly actuates the tip articulation mechanisms, eliminating the need for long control wires that traverse the entire length of the shaft. The control signals are transmitted electrically rather than mechanically, dramatically reducing wire stress and the risk of wire fatigue or breakage.
4Ease of operation
If capstan drive is used for tip articulation, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability decreases due to wire frailty from repetitive load
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanical wire-based control system is replaced with an electrically actuated distal motor system. The motor receives electrical control signals from the handle and converts them to mechanical motion for tip articulation. This substitution eliminates the reliability issues associated with control wires subjected to repetitive mechanical loading, bending, and tension, as the control path is now electrical rather than mechanical.
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 safe and efficient exchange of endotracheal tubes, improved tactile feedback, and reduced mechanical stress, facilitating easier and more precise endoscopic procedures with a single-step detachment process.
Implementation Method 1
a transmission system having a shaft with two linear translation nuts mounted on oppositely threaded portions of the shaft so that rotation of the shaft in one direction moves the two linear translation nuts further away from one another
Implementation Method 2
providing mechanical feedback through a pulley-like system for precise tip control
Data Source
AI summary
A rapid exchange detachable endoscope includes a transmission system having a shaft with two linear translation nuts mounted on oppositely threaded portions of the shaft so that rotation of the shaft in one direction moves the two linear translation nuts further away from one another and rotation of the shaft in an opposite direction moves the two linear translation nuts closer together to control an insertion tube tip. A control handle can be attached and detached from the transmission system, allowing an insertion tube associated with the transmission system to remain in vivo and allow for exchange of overtubes.