Rotatable Endoscope Cleaning Sleeve for In Situ Lens Clearing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Imaging instruments, such as endoscopes, often become obstructed during surgical procedures due to tissue or fluid occlusion, requiring removal, cleaning, and reinsertion, which is time-consuming and undesirable.

Innovation Solution

A cleaning device with a manifold and rotatable tubular member that allows for in situ cleaning of the imaging instrument's viewing portion, using fluid inlets and outlets to direct cleaning fluid across the distal end without obstructing the view, even during rotational movements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the imaging instrument is removed for cleaning, then the viewing portion can be cleaned effectively, but the procedure time increases and productivity decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecleaning effectivenessVSAvoidprocedure time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The cleaning device is attached to the imaging instrument before the imaging procedure begins, allowing the viewing portion to be cleaned in advance or during the procedure without removal. The fluid delivery system is pre-positioned to direct cleaning fluid onto the viewing portion as needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

A cleaning device with fluid delivery capability serves as an intermediary between the imaging instrument and the cleaning function. The device delivers cleaning fluid through a tubular member that interfaces with the viewing portion, enabling cleaning without instrument removal.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If a cleaning device is introduced, then in situ cleaning becomes possible, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvein situ cleaning capabilityVSAvoidcleaning device structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The cleaning device is designed to be attached to various imaging instruments, providing a universal cleaning solution. The manifold and tubular member configuration can accommodate different instrument shafts while maintaining the same cleaning functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The cleaning device is divided into separate functional components: a manifold for fluid distribution, a tubular member for fluid delivery to the viewing portion, and fluid passages connecting them. This segmentation allows for easier assembly, maintenance, and adaptation to different instruments.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Adaptability or versatility

If the tubular member is made rotatable, then the cleaning device can accommodate instrument rotation, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverotational accommodationVSAvoidrotational mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The tubular member is designed to rotate relative to the manifold, allowing the cleaning device to adapt to the rotational movements of the imaging instrument during the procedure. This dynamic capability ensures continuous cleaning effectiveness regardless of instrument orientation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The rotation capability is integrated into the existing manifold-tubular member connection, combining the cleaning function with the instrument's natural rotational movement. The fluid passages are configured to maintain fluid delivery during rotation, merging the cleaning action with the instrument's operational dynamics.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 reliable and unobstructed viewing of the remote site during surgical procedures by facilitating in situ cleaning of imaging instruments, reducing the need for instrument removal and reinsertion.

Implementation Method 1

The fluid outlet is configured to direct a flow of fluid generally across the distal end of the tubular member

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFluid flow:

Data Source

PatentUS12496162B2Cleaning devices for imaging instruments, devices, and methods

Publication Date: 2025.12.16 INTUITIVE SURGICAL OPERATIONS INC

AI summary

A device for cleaning an instrument includes a manifold comprising one or more fluid inlets, and a tubular member rotatable relative to and extending distally from the manifold. The tubular member includes a proximal end, a distal end, and a fluid outlet at the distal end. The fluid outlet is configured to direct a flow of fluid generally across the distal end of the tubular member. The tubular member also includes one or more fluid passages fluidically coupled to the fluid outlet, and the one or more fluid passages extend from the fluid outlet to the manifold. The manifold and tubular member are configured to receive a shaft of an imaging instrument in a position such that the shaft of the imaging instrument extends through the manifold to the distal end of the tubular member. Systems and methods relate to instruments and cleaning devices.