Torque Transmission Wire for Radiation-Free Endoscope Shape Estimation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for estimating the shape of a linear flexible endoscope during procedures, such as colonoscopy, rely on radiation, exposing both patients and surgeons to high doses of radiation and are costly, limiting their availability and requiring experienced surgeons for effective use.
Innovation Solution
A flexible portion shape estimating device with a probe and torque transmission wire system that measures rotation information using sensors, allowing for real-time estimation of the endoscope's shape without radiation, featuring a torque transmission wire and rotation information measuring part to analyze and display the shape accurately.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If radiation methods (fluoroscopy or radiography) are used to recognize changes in the shape of the flexible portion, then measurement precision is improved, but object-affected harmful factors and loss of energy increase due to repeated radiation exposure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the radiation-based measurement system with a mechanical torque transmission system. A torque transmission wire is inserted into the flexible portion to transmit torque from the distal end to the proximal end, where it is measured by a torque sensor. This mechanical substitution eliminates radiation exposure while enabling accurate shape recognition through torque measurement.
Solution Approach 2:
The torque transmission wire acts as an intermediary element between the flexible portion and the torque sensor. It transmits the torque generated by bending or twisting of the flexible portion to the sensor, enabling indirect measurement of shape changes without requiring direct radiation exposure of the patient or surgeon.
2Measurement precision
If radiation equipment is used for shape estimation, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and loss of energy increase due to high equipment costs and limited availability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs simple, inexpensive components such as a torque transmission wire and a torque sensor instead of expensive radiation equipment. These simpler devices can be easily integrated into endoscopes and do not require the complex infrastructure of fluoroscopy or radiography systems, making the technology more accessible and cost-effective.
3Measurement precision
If conventional radiation methods are used, then shape recognition is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to requiring surgeons with long experience and repeated trials
Solution Approach 1:
The torque sensor provides real-time feedback on the torque transmitted through the flexible portion, enabling the surgeon to perceive shape changes immediately during the procedure. This feedback mechanism eliminates the need for repeated trials and reduces the learning curve, allowing surgeons to perform procedures more efficiently without requiring extensive prior experience with radiation-based methods.
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 accurate and radiation-free estimation of the endoscope's shape, improving procedural efficiency and reducing exposure risks, while being accessible to a wider range of medical professionals.
Implementation Method 1
a torque transmission wire transmitting a torque applied to one end thereof to another end thereof
Implementation Method 2
the rotation information measuring part includes at least one of the torque sensor for measuring a torque on the other end of the torque transmission wire
Implementation Method 3
a rotation angle sensor for measuring a rotation angle on the other end of the torque transmission wire
Implementation Method 4
a lubricant is accommodated in the wire channel to reduce a frictional force between the inner surface of the outer tubular body and the torque transmission wire
Data Source
AI summary
Provided are a flexible portion shape estimating device and an endoscope system having the same. According to the present disclosure, the flexible portion shape estimating device includes a probe adapted to be inserted into a flexible portion and having a torque transmission wire transmitting a torque applied to one end thereof to other end thereof, and a rotation information measuring part coupled to other end of the probe to measure rotation information on the other end of the torque transmission wire.