Reconfigurable Endoscope Channel for Tool Insertion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hysteroscopes face challenges in accommodating the introduction of large tools through a shaft with a low profile, connecting cameras and light sources on rotatable shafts through stationary handles, and managing fluid flow through rotatable shafts coupled to stationary handles.
Innovation Solution
The hysteroscope design features a shaft with a re-configurable channel that can expand to accommodate larger tools, a handle system that allows for the rotation of the shaft by at least 180° while maintaining a secure connection for cameras and light sources, and a fluid management system that includes inflow and outflow channels that rotate with the shaft, ensuring continuous fluid flow and pressure control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the shaft diameter is reduced to achieve a low profile for cervical insertion, then the ease of insertion is improved, but the ability to accommodate large tools through the working channel deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The channel is designed to be dynamically re-configurable between a constricted shape during insertion and a non-constricted shape during tool introduction. The distal portion of the channel includes flexible side portions that can expand outwardly to increase the cross-sectional area, allowing large tools to pass through while maintaining a small insertion profile.
Solution Approach 2:
The channel structure incorporates flexible side portions made of elastomeric material that can deform and expand. These flexible portions allow the channel to transition from a compressed state during insertion to an expanded state during tool passage, enabling the shaft to accommodate tools larger than its outer diameter would suggest.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the shaft is made rotatable to improve operational flexibility, then the adaptability is improved, but the complexity of maintaining secure connections for cameras and light sources deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Electrical leads with flexible portions are used to connect the image sensor and light source to the handle. These flexible leads can accommodate the rotation of the shaft while maintaining secure electrical connections, allowing the shaft to rotate freely without compromising the integrity of the connections.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrical connection system is designed to be dynamic and flexible rather than rigid. The flexible portions of the electrical leads allow the system to adapt to the rotational movement of the shaft, maintaining secure connections throughout the range of motion.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the channel diameter is increased to accommodate larger tools, then the ability to introduce tools is improved, but the outer shaft diameter increases, making insertion more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The channel cross-sectional area is dynamically changeable. During insertion, the channel maintains a small constricted profile that fits through the cervix. When a tool is introduced, the flexible side portions expand outwardly to increase the channel diameter, allowing tools with dimensions greater than the shaft's outer diameter to pass through the distal portion.
Solution Approach 2:
The channel structure is nested within the shaft, with flexible side portions that can expand outwardly. This nested configuration allows the channel to occupy minimal space during insertion while providing ample room for tool passage when expanded.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A
AI summary
An endoscope includes a shaft having proximal and distal ends and a longitudinal axis therebetween. A handle is coupled to the proximal end of the shaft, and an image sensor is carried on the distal end of the shaft. A channel extends through at least a distal shaft portion and has a channel diameter, and a section of the channel is re-configurable between a constricted shape and a non-constricted shape to accommodate tools introduced therethrough. The combined diagonal dimension and channel diameter is usually greater than the outer shaft diameter. The image sensor may be connected to a connector on the housing by a first slack flex circuit and a lights source on the shaft may be connected to a connector on the housing by a second slack flex circuit.