Telescopic Endoscope Attachment for Clear Distal Visualization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing endoscopic devices attached to the tip of an endoscope often extend over the scope, impairing visualization during procedures, especially in emergency situations with active bleeding.

Innovation Solution

A telescopic attachment mechanism with an inner and outer cylinder, allowing the outer cylinder to slide relative to the inner cylinder from a retracted to an extended position, maintaining alignment and enabling the device to extend beyond the scope tip without obstructing vision.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the attachment device is extended to perform medical procedures, then the device can perform its function (ligation, dilation, etc.), but the device extends over the scope tip and impairs visualization

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice functionalityVSAvoidvisualization impairment

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The attachment device employs a telescopic mechanism with an inner cylinder fixed to the scope and an outer cylinder that can slide relative to it. The outer cylinder can be extended distally beyond the scope tip when needed for procedures and retracted proximally when not in use, transforming the device from a static to a dynamic configuration that adapts to operational requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The attachment device is divided into two separate cylindrical components: an inner cylinder that remains fixed to the scope and an outer cylinder that can move independently. This segmentation allows the outer cylinder to be extended for procedure performance and then retracted to eliminate obstruction during visualization, resolving the contradiction between device functionality and visualization quality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Object-affected harmful factors

If the attachment device is retracted to maintain visualization, then vision remains unobstructed, but the device cannot perform procedures requiring extension

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevisualization qualityVSAvoidprocedure capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The telescopic attachment mechanism enables dynamic adjustment of the outer cylinder's position. During visualization phases, the outer cylinder is retracted proximally to maintain clear vision, while during procedure phases, it can be extended distally to provide the necessary functional capability, thus adapting to different operational needs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The attachment device is pre-configured in a retracted state with the outer cylinder positioned proximally, ensuring that visualization is maintained during transport and non-use periods. The mechanism is designed to allow rapid extension when procedure capability is needed, preparing the system in advance for both visualization and intervention modes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Adaptability or versatility

If a telescopic mechanism is added to allow extension and retraction, then the device can adapt between extended and retracted positions, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveposition adaptabilityVSAvoidmechanism complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The telescopic mechanism is segmented into two simple cylindrical components (inner and outer cylinders) that can slide relative to each other. This segmentation avoids the need for complex mechanical assemblies, motors, or electronic controls, achieving position adaptability through a straightforward mechanical sliding arrangement that minimizes overall device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of using complex mechanisms to actively extend and retract the attachment, the design inverts the approach by allowing the outer cylinder to be passively extended beyond the scope tip and then manually retracted proximally. This inversion simplifies the mechanism by eliminating the need for active extension drives, relying instead on the natural telescopic sliding motion.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Data Source

PatentUS12527458B2Telescopic attachment for endoscope

Publication Date: 2026.01.20 ALPINE MEDICAL DEVICES LLC

AI summary

A telescopic attachment mechanism includes an inner cylinder configured to attach around a distal end of a scope and an outer cylinder slidingly attached around the inner cylinder. The outer cylinder is configured to move from a proximal retracted position to a distal extended position. The outer cylinder in the distal extended position is configured to extend distally beyond the distal end of the scope.