Endoscopic Sheathing Tube Rotation Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
In endoscopic surgery, the overtube's rotation around its axis can cause the endoscope and treatment tool to co-rotate, leading to a fluctuating visual field and requiring complex operations to fix or unlock the overtube, which complicates surgical procedures and prolongs surgery time.
Innovation Solution
A sheathing tube with a first cylindrical member, a second cylindrical member, a spring member for rotation restriction, and a rotation operating member that allows easy switching between locked and unlocked states, enabling simple control over the overtube's rotatability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If the overtube is fixed to prevent rotation, then the visual field stability is improved, but the device complexity and surgical time increase due to complex locking/unlocking operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the friction parameter between the overtube and sheathing tube by applying lubricant to the inner peripheral surface of the sheathing tube. This allows the system to transition between locked and unlocked states through friction control rather than complex mechanical locking mechanisms, thereby maintaining visual field stability while reducing device complexity and surgical time
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical locking/unlocking mechanism with a friction-based control system. By using friction between the overtube and sheathing tube surfaces, the system achieves rotation prevention without requiring complex locking components, thus improving visual field stability while reducing device complexity
2Stability of the object's composition
If the overtube is fixed to prevent rotation, then the visual field stability is improved, but the surgery time is prolonged due to complex locking/unlocking operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the friction parameter between contact surfaces by applying lubricant, enabling rapid transition between locked and unlocked states. This friction-based control eliminates time-consuming mechanical locking operations while maintaining visual field stability during critical surgical phases
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes complex mechanical locking mechanisms with a friction-based control system. The lubricant application allows surgeons to quickly switch between locked (for stability) and unlocked (for repositioning) states, thereby maintaining visual field stability while significantly reducing the time required for locking/unlocking operations
3Ease of operation
If the spring member engagement is released to allow rotation, then the ease of operation is improved, but the rotation restriction is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the friction parameter by applying lubricant to the inner peripheral surface of the sheathing tube. This creates a controllable friction state that allows easy rotation when needed while maintaining sufficient rotation restriction during surgical operations, eliminating the need for complex engagement/disengagement mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the spring member engagement mechanism with a friction-based control system. The lubricant allows the overtube to rotate easily when the surgeon needs to adjust positioning, while still providing adequate rotation restriction during stable surgical phases, thereby improving ease of operation while maintaining reliability
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 easy and controlled switching between rotatable and non-rotatable states of the overtube, reducing surgical complexity and time by preventing unintended rotation and allowing for precise adjustment of the endoscope's visual field without requiring separate locking/unlocking operations.
Implementation Method 1
a spring member that is arranged between the first cylindrical member and the second cylindrical member and is deformable between a rotation locked state where rotation of the second cylindrical member with respect to the first cylindrical member is restricted by engagement of the spring member with the base end of the first cylindrical member
Implementation Method 2
a rotation operating member that is rotatably provided in an axial direction of the second cylindrical member and deforms the spring member between the rotation locked state and the rotation unlocked state
Data Source
AI summary
An outer port sheathing an overtube, includes: a first cylindrical member having a distal end opening from which the overtube is delivered; a second cylindrical member that is rotatably connected to the first cylindrical member and has a base end opening into which the overtube is introduced; rotation restriction means that restricts rotation of the overtube with respect to the second cylindrical member; a spring member that is deformable between a rotation locked state where rotation of the second cylindrical member with respect to the first cylindrical member is restricted by engagement of the spring member with the first cylindrical member, and a rotation unlocked state where the engagement is released and the rotation is allowed; and a rotation operating member that is rotatable in an axial direction of the second cylindrical member and deforms the spring member between the rotation locked state and the rotation unlocked state.