Soft Endoscope Dual Instrument Access and Position Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing soft endoscopy systems cannot simultaneously access two instruments and lack precise indication of instrument positions, making complex operations difficult and time-consuming.
Innovation Solution
A soft endoscopy system with an endoscope body structure, camera assembly, and instrument adapter structure that allows simultaneous access to two instruments through shared passages and access ports, and uses optical fibers for precise position indication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If instruments are inserted into the instrument passage by way of alternating in sequence, then the structure remains simple with single access port, but the operation time increases tremendously and the difficulty in operation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the single instrument passage into multiple independent passages (first instrument passage, second instrument passage, etc.), allowing multiple instruments to be inserted simultaneously through different passages. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by enabling parallel operation of multiple instruments while maintaining manageable structural complexity through modular passage design.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a single-dimensional access port to a multi-dimensional access structure by providing multiple access ports (first access port, second access port, etc.) that can simultaneously accommodate multiple instruments. This dimensional expansion allows concurrent instrument insertion without increasing the complexity of individual access paths.
2Device complexity
If a single access port is used for instrument access, then the structure remains simple, but the requirement of simultaneously accessing two kinds of instruments cannot be realized
Solution Approach 1:
The invention creates a universal access system where multiple access ports (first access port, second access port, etc.) are designed with compatible structures that can accommodate different types of instruments simultaneously. Each access port maintains a standardized interface that allows various instruments to be accessed through the same structural framework, achieving multi-functionality without proportionally increasing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The access port system is segmented into multiple independent access points, each capable of handling different instrument types. This segmentation allows the system to simultaneously access multiple instruments through dedicated passages while maintaining a unified overall structure that manages complexity.
3Device complexity
If multiple instruments are accessed through the same passage sequentially, then the structure remains simple, but the positions of the inserted instruments cannot be indicated
Solution Approach 1:
The invention implements a feedback mechanism where the positions of inserted instruments are visually indicated through corresponding access ports. When an instrument is inserted into a specific passage, its position is indicated at the corresponding access port, providing real-time feedback to the operator about instrument locations without requiring complex electronic systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses visual indicators (such as colored markings or light indicators) at the access ports to show the positions of inserted instruments. Different colors or visual states indicate different instrument positions, allowing operators to quickly identify instrument locations without increasing structural complexity.
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 the simultaneous use of multiple instruments without increasing the radial space, facilitating more complex operations and providing precise control over instrument positioning.
Implementation Method 1
an optical indication module extending to the head module, wherein the optical indication module is used to externally indicate a position of an instrument extending into the passage
Data Source
Figure 1a~2a
Figure 2b~3
Figure 4~6
AI summary
A soft endoscopy system includes an endoscope body structure, a camera assembly and an instrument adapter structure. The endoscope body structure includes a bendable flexible inserting portion and a handle portion connected to one end of the flexible inserting portion, the handle portion being provided with a first access portion, and the flexible inserting portion being internally provided with a first passage. The handle portion_is further internally provided with a first electrical interface; when the camera assembly_accesses the handle portion internally, the camera assembly is conductively inserted into the first electrical interface; and the instrument adapter structure_is provided with an electrical interface protective portion; when the instrument adapter structure_accesses the handle portion_internally, the electrical interface protective portion is docked with the first electrical interface.