Self-Enclosed Propulsion Member for Endoscope Navigation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional endoscopes face challenges in advancing through constricted, convoluted, or curved body cavities or lumens, as they require increased force, which can lead to surgical complications and patient discomfort, and non-medical instruments face similar issues in navigating irregularly shaped structures.
Innovation Solution
A propellable apparatus with a self-enclosed member that can be attached at the front-end tip of the payload, utilizing flexible drive members and a tapered member for ease of navigation and removal, along with reinforcing members for durability, to create a propulsive force against the cavity or lumen wall.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If traditional endoscopes are used to advance through constricted or curved body cavities, then the instrument can reach the target location, but increased force is required which leads to surgical complications and patient discomfort
Solution Approach 1:
The endoscope is divided into multiple articulating segments that can independently bend and flex. This segmentation allows the instrument to navigate constricted and curved pathways by distributing the bending forces across multiple joints rather than requiring excessive force at a single point, thereby reducing tissue trauma and patient discomfort.
Solution Approach 2:
The endoscope incorporates dynamic articulation capabilities with movable sections that can change their configuration in real-time. The articulating sections can actively adapt to the geometry of the body cavity, allowing the instrument to follow curved pathways with minimal insertion force by dynamically adjusting its shape rather than forcing a straight path.
2Ease of operation
If a propellable apparatus with self-enclosed member is attached at the front-end tip of the payload, then navigation through complex pathways is improved, but the apparatus length increases which may limit articulation capability
Solution Approach 1:
The propellable apparatus with self-enclosed member is designed to nest within the existing endoscope structure when not in use. The apparatus can be collapsed or retracted into the endoscope shaft, minimizing the overall length and preserving articulation capability. When deployment is required, the apparatus extends outward to provide propulsion and navigation assistance through complex pathways.
3Adaptability or versatility
If flexible drive members are used in the propellable apparatus, then the apparatus can navigate curved pathways, but the structural strength and durability may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The drive members are constructed using composite material structures that combine flexible polymers with embedded reinforcement elements such as shape memory alloys or high-strength fibers. This composite construction provides the necessary flexibility to navigate curved pathways while maintaining sufficient structural strength and durability to withstand repeated use and mechanical stresses.
Solution Approach 2:
The drive members utilize flexible shell structures with controlled wall thickness and cross-sectional geometry. These flexible shells are designed with optimal thickness-to-radius ratios that allow bending and flexing for navigation while maintaining structural integrity. The shell geometry is engineered to distribute stresses evenly, preventing failure even with repeated articulation and propulsion cycles.
4Ease of operation
If a tapered member is added to the propellable apparatus for ease of removal, then withdrawal from the cavity is facilitated, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The tapered member is designed with a reverse-taper geometry that expands during insertion to engage the cavity wall for propulsion, then automatically contracts or reverses its configuration during withdrawal. This inversion of the typical tapered design allows the same structure to facilitate both insertion and removal without requiring separate components, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining ease of removal.
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 efficient advancement and withdrawal of endoscopes and other instruments through complex pathways with reduced risk of complications and discomfort, maintaining articulation capability and minimizing tissue engagement with the apparatus.
Implementation Method 1
The self-enclosed member can be powered to provide movement relative to the cavity or lumen wall... create propulsion force against a cavity or lumen wall
Implementation Method 2
a tapered member (e.g., a wedge-shaped member) can be added behind the propellable apparatus to provide a size transition from the outer surface of the payload to the larger diameter, outer surface of the self-enclosed member
Implementation Method 3
one or more reinforcing members can be integrated within a self-enclosed member for increased durability and rotational use
Data Source
AI summary
Propellable apparatus, assemblies and related methods including a self-enclosed member are disclosed. The self-enclosed member can include an inner surface at least partially defining an enclosed region, and an outer surface that turns outwardly to engage a cavity or lumen wall in addition to turning inward to at least partially encompass a central region defining a longitudinal path. The apparatus can include an internal drive mechanism engageable with the outer surface of the self-enclosed member to provide relative movement between the self-enclosed member and the cavity or lumen wall. A tapered member, positioned on the apparatus adjacent an end of the self-enclosed member, can provide a size transition between an outer surface portion of the self-enclosed member and an outer surface of a payload insertable within the central region. In some examples, one or more reinforcing members can be integrated within the self-enclosed member for increased durability and rotational use.