Single-Hand Endoscope Handle for Unified Shaft and Instrument Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional endoscopic procedures often require multiple users to control the endoscope, position instruments, and activate instruments, leading to inefficiencies and increased costs.
Innovation Solution
An endoscope system with a single-hand handle that integrates shaft control and instrument control systems, allowing a single user to manipulate the endoscope and instruments through buttons or switches on the handle.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple users are used to control the endoscope, position instruments, and activate instruments, then the control and coordination of complex procedures is improved, but the procedural efficiency decreases and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple control functions (shaft control, instrument positioning, and instrument activation) into a single integrated handle that can be operated by one user. The handle integrates a shaft control system with an instrument control system, allowing unified control of all endoscopic functions through a single operator interface, thereby improving procedural efficiency while maintaining reliable control coordination.
2Reliability
If multiple users are used to control the endoscope and instruments, then the control coordination is improved, but the number of personnel required increases
Solution Approach 1:
The handle is designed as a universal control interface that performs multiple functions: it controls the shaft positioning, manages instrument insertion and retraction, and activates instrument operations. This multi-functional integration allows a single user to perform all control tasks that previously required multiple specialized operators, reducing personnel requirements while maintaining comprehensive control capability.
3Ease of operation
If a single-hand handle is used, then the ease of operation and single-user control is improved, but the control precision may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The handle incorporates dynamic control mechanisms including movable buttons and switches that can be actuated with minimal force using thumb or finger movements. The control system includes buttons for shaft control, instrument control, and activation functions, all positioned to be easily accessible within a single hand grip, enabling precise control through ergonomic finger and thumb actuation.
Data Source
AI summary
According to one aspect, an endoscope system may include a shaft having a proximal end and a distal portion configured for insertion into a subject. The distal portion may have a distal end. The shaft may also include a lumen extending between the proximal end and the distal end. The lumen may be configured to receive an instrument extendable through the lumen of the shaft. The endoscope system may also include a visualization system coupled to the shaft for visualizing a region distal to the distal end of the shaft. The endoscope system may also include a handle coupled to the proximal end of the shaft. The handle may be configured for gripping by a user. The handle may include a shaft control system for controlling operation of the shaft. The handle may also include an instrument control system for controlling operation of an instrument extendable through the shaft.