Sheath Stop Component for Endoscope Positioning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for setting the position of medical tools within endoscopes lack precision and consistency, often relying on manual finger contact, which can be unreliable and variable.

Innovation Solution

A sheath distance setting device and method that involves connecting a distal end of a scope to a sheath distance setting device, inserting a sheath until contact is made, and locking it in place using a sheath stop component, ensuring precise positioning of the sheath within the endoscope.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If manual finger contact method is used to set sheath position, then the method is simple and quick to operate, but the positioning precision and consistency deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of operationVSAvoidpositioning precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

A sheath stop component is introduced as an intermediary element between the sheath and the operator's finger. This component provides a defined contact surface that ensures consistent positioning when the sheath is advanced until it contacts the stop, thereby improving positioning precision while maintaining the simplicity of the manual operation method.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Device complexity

If no sheath stop component is used, then the device structure remains simple, but the positioning reliability and consistency worsen

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice complexityVSAvoidpositioning reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The sheath distance setting device is segmented into distinct functional components: a housing that interfaces with the scope and a separate sheath stop component. This segmentation allows the stop component to be a simple, dedicated element that improves positioning reliability without significantly increasing overall device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Loss of time

If finger contact method is used without a defined contact point, then the setup process is quick, but the measurement precision and positioning accuracy deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesetup timeVSAvoidpositioning accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of timeVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The sheath stop component is pre-positioned within the housing at a specific distance from the scope's distal end. This preliminary positioning establishes a predetermined, accurate stop point before the sheath insertion process begins, ensuring that when the sheath contacts the stop, the positioning accuracy is maintained while the setup remains quick.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS20220361902A1Apparatuses and methods for setting position of a sheath in a scope

Publication Date: 2022.11.17 GYRUS ACMI INC

AI summary

Devices and methods for setting position of a medical tool within an endoscope. In an illustrative embodiment, a device includes a housing that is configured to be connectable to a distal end of a scope and a sheath stop component that is configured to limit distal movement of a sheath received within the scope.