Recessed Viewing Window Tip Structure for Endoscope Snagging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Rigid variable direction of view endoscopes have limited retrospective viewing ability due to the endoscope shaft blocking the angular region, and existing designs either expose the viewing window or are impractical, making them prone to snagging and damage.
Innovation Solution
A tip structure with a recessed viewing window protected by a ridge or slot that supports and shields the window, allowing extreme retrospective viewing while preventing snagging and damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the viewing window is made exposed to allow extreme retrospective viewing, then the viewing range is improved, but the viewing window becomes prone to snagging and damage
Solution Approach 1:
The viewing window is nested within a recessed cavity in the tip structure, allowing it to be protected by surrounding material while still enabling extreme retrospective viewing angles. The recessed design creates a protective envelope around the window without limiting its angular coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The tip structure transitions from a two-dimensional surface to a three-dimensional recessed geometry, creating depth behind the viewing window. This dimensional change allows the window to be positioned within a cavity rather than on the surface, providing protection while maintaining viewing capability.
2Reliability
If the viewing window is recessed into the tip structure for protection, then the viewing window is shielded from damage, but the retrospective viewing ability is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The viewing window is nested within a recessed cavity in the tip structure, allowing it to be protected by surrounding material while still enabling extreme retrospective viewing angles. The recessed design creates a protective envelope around the window without limiting its angular coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The tip structure transitions from a two-dimensional surface to a three-dimensional recessed geometry, creating depth behind the viewing window. This dimensional change allows the window to be positioned within a cavity rather than on the surface, providing protection while maintaining viewing capability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the optical objective system protrudes beyond the outer diameter of the shaft, then the viewing capability is improved, but the endoscope cannot slide easily in and out of guide tubes
Solution Approach 1:
The optical objective system is nested within the shaft's outer diameter, allowing the endoscope to slide smoothly through guide tubes and natural lumens. The viewing window is positioned within the recessed tip structure, ensuring the overall profile remains compact for easy insertion while still providing extreme viewing angles.
4Reliability
If a retractable objective system is used, then the viewing window protection is improved, but the design becomes impractical
Solution Approach 1:
The tip structure is segmented into distinct functional zones: a recessed cavity for the viewing window, protective ridges, and structural support elements. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, providing protection without requiring complex retractable mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The recessed tip structure provides passive protection for the viewing window through its geometry alone, eliminating the need for active retractable mechanisms. The structure serves its protective function automatically based on its fixed geometry, simplifying the overall design while maintaining reliability.
Data Source
AI summary
A variable direction of view endoscope generally comprising an endoscope shaft, an objective optical system disposed in the distal end of the shaft that defines a view vector movable relative to the longitudinal axis of the shaft, and a viewing window located in the distal end of the shaft through which the view vector scans over a range of different view vector directions when moved relative to the longitudinal axis of the shaft. A portion of the distal section of the endoscope shaft adjacent and proximal to the viewing window has a cross-section perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the shaft, and at least two regions within the cross section are connectable by a straight line that does not lie within or on the boundary of the cross section. In certain embodiments, cross section comprises at least two disjoint closed sets of points.