Semi-Rigid Endoscope Flexible Tip for Viewing Around Obstructions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing endoscopes provide limited visualization capabilities due to their rigid structure, preventing surgeons from seeing around obstructions and requiring time-consuming scope changes for optimal viewing angles during surgeries.
Innovation Solution
A semi-rigid endoscope with a flexible tip that can move in lateral and transverse directions, equipped with a baffle to direct irrigant fluid for cleaning the image sensor and a hand control for maneuvering, allowing 360-degree visualization without the need for scope changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a rigid endoscope with fixed angle is used, then the structural stability and ease of operation are improved, but the visualization capability around obstructions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The endoscope is divided into a rigid proximal portion and a flexible distal tip section. The rigid portion maintains structural stability and ease of operation, while the flexible tip section enables the scope to navigate around obstructions and adapt to different viewing angles, resolving the contradiction between stability and adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The distal tip of the endoscope is designed to be flexible rather than rigid, allowing it to dynamically change its configuration to follow anatomical structures and bypass obstructions. This dynamic flexibility at the tip while maintaining rigidity in the proximal portion enables both structural stability and enhanced visualization capability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple rigid endoscopes with different angles are used, then the visualization coverage is improved, but the device complexity and time consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
A single endoscope design incorporates both rigid and flexible sections, enabling it to perform multiple functions: maintaining structural stability during insertion and operation, and adapting its tip angle to visualize various anatomical structures. This universal design eliminates the need for multiple specialized rigid endoscopes, reducing device complexity and surgical time.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible tip section can dynamically adjust its angle and configuration to provide various viewing perspectives, replacing the need for multiple rigid endoscopes with fixed angles. This dynamic adaptability allows one endoscope to achieve the visualization coverage of multiple rigid scopes without the associated complexity and time consumption.
3Ease of operation
If a rigid endoscope is used, then the ease of operation is improved, but the ability to maneuver around obstructions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The endoscope is segmented into a rigid proximal portion for easy operation and control, and a flexible distal tip for maneuverability. The rigid portion provides stability and ease of handling during insertion and positioning, while the flexible tip can independently navigate around obstructions and adapt to anatomical variations.
Solution Approach 2:
The distal tip is designed with flexible properties that allow it to dynamically conform to anatomical structures and bypass obstructions, while the proximal rigid portion remains stable and easy to operate. This dynamic segmentation resolves the contradiction between ease of operation and maneuverability.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the endoscope tip is made flexible, then the adaptability and visualization capability are improved, but the structural stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The endoscope is divided into distinct rigid and flexible sections. The proximal rigid portion maintains structural stability for reliable operation and positioning, while the distal flexible tip provides adaptability to navigate complex anatomical pathways and provide varied viewing angles, resolving the contradiction between stability and adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the endoscope have different mechanical properties: the proximal portion is rigid for stability and ease of operation, while the distal tip is flexible for adaptability and maneuverability. This local differentiation of material properties allows each section to optimize its function without compromising the other.
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
Enhances surgical efficiency by enabling continuous 360-degree visualization and maneuverability, allowing surgeons to maintain optimal viewing angles without disrupting the surgical field.
Implementation Method 1
The baffle directs the irrigant fluid to clean the image sensor
Implementation Method 2
The flexible tip moves along a lateral direction that is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. The flexible tip moves along a transverse direction that is perpendicular to both the longitudinal and lateral directions.
Data Source
AI summary
A semi-rigid endoscope may include a shaft that is elongate along a longitudinal direction. The shaft including a shaft body that defines: proximal rigid portion and a flexible tip that is distal to the proximal rigid portion. The flexible tip moves along a lateral direction that is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. The flexible tip moves along a transverse direction that is perpendicular to both the longitudinal and lateral directions. The endoscope may also include at least one conduit that extends longitudinally along an internal portion of the shaft body. The internal portion may be substantially enclosed, such that the at least one conduit transfers irrigant fluid to and from the flexible tip. The endoscope may also include a baffle that directs irrigant fluid at the flexible tip and an image sensor coupled to the flexible tip.