Torque-Transmitting Insertion Unit for Medical Intubation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional endoscopes are cumbersome, non-intuitive, and friction-limited, making navigation through complex anatomical paths difficult, leading to patient discomfort and increased risk during procedures like colonoscopy due to their limited flexibility and stiffness.
Innovation Solution
An integral insertion unit with an inner elongated shaft capable of torque transmission and an outer shaft with spring-like properties, allowing for 360-degree bending and rotation of the distal tip without straightening the body lumen, coupled with a bending section featuring spaced-apart elements and steering threads for enhanced mobility and reduced friction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional endoscopes are used with rigid shaft structures, then structural strength is maintained, but flexibility and ease of navigation through tortuous body lumens deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The endoscope shaft is divided into multiple rigid segments connected by flexible joints, allowing the shaft to bend and navigate tortuous body lumens while maintaining structural integrity of each segment
Solution Approach 2:
The shaft incorporates composite construction combining rigid materials for structural strength with flexible materials at connection points, enabling both strength and flexibility to coexist in different regions of the shaft
2Ease of operation
If conventional control mechanisms are used, then device complexity is reduced, but ease of operation and intuitiveness deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The control mechanism uses a universal interface where a single control input can manipulate multiple degrees of freedom (bending, rotation, advancement) of the distal tip, making operation more intuitive without requiring complex separate controls for each function
Solution Approach 2:
A control wire system acts as an intermediary between the operator's manual controls and the distal tip, transmitting forces and motions through the flexible shaft to achieve precise positioning and orientation
3Productivity
If conventional friction-limited shafts are used, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but navigation efficiency and productivity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The friction-limited mechanical shaft is replaced with a control wire system that transmits forces through tension and compression, eliminating friction constraints and enabling more efficient navigation through body lumens
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 safe and comfortable navigation through tortuous body lumens with reduced friction and increased patient comfort, allowing for precise control and efficient intubation without causing pain or damage, improving clinical productivity and patient throughput.
Implementation Method 1
an inner elongated shaft structure capable of torque transmission around its length axis
Implementation Method 2
an outer elongated shaft structure having spring-like properties
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention discloses an insertion unit, a bending section and an intubation system for use in a body lumen of a patient. The insertion unit comprises an inner elongated shaft structure being capable of torque transmission around its length axis and having spring-like and flexibility properties and an outer elongated shaft structure at least partially surrounding the inner elongated shaft structure and having spring-like properties and a continuous and flat outer surface. The inner elongated shaft structure has a distal end, and is capable of being connected to an optical head. The insertion unit is configured to transmit pushing and rotation forces along a length of the insertion unit. The integral insertion unit is configured and operable to bend the distal tip in all directions and to fully rotate the distal tip.