Replaceable Endoscope Insertion Tube Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing endoscope devices have fixed insertion tube diameters, requiring multiple devices of varying sizes for different patients, leading to increased equipment and installation costs. Additionally, blind insertion of urinary catheters can cause discomfort and inefficiency due to the lack of visual guidance and proper sizing.
Innovation Solution
The endoscope device features a replaceable insertion tube mechanism with a handgrip mechanism and an image capturing unit, allowing for adjustable insertion tube sizes and visual guidance during catheter insertion, thereby improving patient comfort and reducing resource wastage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple endoscope devices with different insertion tube diameters are prepared for different patients, then the adaptability to different patient body shapes is improved, but the equipment cost and installation cost significantly increase
Solution Approach 1:
The endoscope device is divided into separable components: a handgrip mechanism and a replaceable insertion tube mechanism. The insertion tube mechanism can be detached and replaced with different sizes to match different patient requirements, while reusing the expensive handgrip mechanism across multiple patients.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a fixed configuration to a dynamic, adjustable configuration. The insertion tube diameter can be changed during or between procedures by replacing the insertion tube mechanism, allowing the same endoscope device to adapt to different patient body shapes without requiring multiple complete devices.
2Device complexity
If the insertion tube diameter is fixed, then the device structure is simplified, but the adaptability to different patient needs is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
By separating the insertion tube mechanism from the handgrip mechanism, the system maintains structural simplicity in each component while gaining overall versatility. Each insertion tube mechanism is designed with a standardized connection interface that simplifies the replacement process.
Solution Approach 2:
The handgrip mechanism is designed as a universal platform that can accommodate multiple types of insertion tube mechanisms through standardized interfaces. This allows one handgrip to perform multiple functions with different insertion tube sizes.
3Device complexity
If blind insertion is performed without visual guidance, then the device structure is simpler, but patient discomfort and procedural inefficiency increase
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging system is merged with the insertion tube mechanism, with the image capture device positioned at the insertion end portion. This integration allows real-time visual feedback during the insertion process, enabling physicians to see through the catheter tip and guide the procedure more effectively.
Solution Approach 2:
The image capture device acts as an intermediary that provides visual information about the insertion path and surrounding tissues. This intermediary system allows the physician to indirectly observe conditions at the catheter tip without direct visual access, improving guidance accuracy.
Data Source
AI summary
An endoscope device for connection with a catheter having a connecting portion and a tubular body portion includes a handgrip mechanism and a replaceable insertion tube mechanism. The handgrip mechanism includes a handgrip unit, a connecting tube having a first mating end portion, a locking ring, and a signal connector signally connected to the handgrip unit. The replaceable insertion tube mechanism includes an insertion tube having opposite second mating end portion and insertion end portion, and an image capturing unit having an image capture device mounted on the insertion end portion and a signal terminal signally connected to the image capture device. The second mating end portion is detachably and coaxially connected to the first mating end portion. The locking ring is detachably and threadedly connected to the second mating end portion so as to secure the first and second mating end portions in an end-to-end manner.