Universal Disposable Endoscope Sheath with Expandable Connector
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing disposable sheaths for endoscopes are manufacturer-specific, leading to the need for multiple types to accommodate different endoscope measurements, which is inefficient and costly, and requires sterilization between uses, causing delays and potential contamination risks.
Innovation Solution
A disposable sheath system with a primary lumen and at least one secondary lumen, featuring a connector that expands longitudinally to accommodate varying endoscope lengths and a split insert for tool use, allowing compatibility with multiple manufacturers' endoscopes and eliminating the need for sterilization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If disposable sheaths are made for each endoscope manufacturer and model, then compatibility with specific endoscopes is improved, but device complexity and inventory requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The sheath device is designed with a universal connector that can accommodate endoscopes from multiple manufacturers and models through a single interface design, eliminating the need for manufacturer-specific sheaths while maintaining proper connection and functionality
2Reliability
If endoscopes are sterilized between uses, then contamination risks are reduced, but productivity and patient turnover speed decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The sheath device is designed as a disposable single-use component that is discarded after one use, eliminating the need for sterilization processes while ensuring no contamination risk is transferred to the next patient, thereby maintaining productivity and patient turnover speed
3Reliability
If endoscopes are sterilized between uses, then contamination risks are reduced, but loss of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The disposable sheath eliminates the time-consuming sterilization process by being discarded after single use, ensuring contamination-free operation without any loss of time for sterilization procedures
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple types of sheaths are maintained for different endoscopes, then compatibility is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
A single universal sheath design is created that can accommodate multiple endoscope manufacturers and models, reducing manufacturing costs through economies of scale while maintaining broad compatibility across different endoscope types
Data Source
AI summary
A disposable sheath device for use with an endoscope is disclosed. The endoscope has a body with an insertion tube having optics at its distal end. The disposable sheath device has a primary lumen and at least one secondary lumen attached to the primary lumen along a length of the lumen. The primary lumen is for covering and protecting the insertion tube from bodily contamination. The secondary lumen is for accommodating a desired tool. The secondary lumen has an insert substantially commensurate in length to the secondary lumen and the insert has a slit longitudinally along its length. The slit permits radial expansion to accommodate tools having a radius larger than that of the secondary lumen, which preferably is made of a flexible material that expands. A connector is attached to the proximal end of the primary lumen and connects to he body of the endoscope. The connector extends longitudinally to accommodate different length insertion tubes. Optionally, an adapter can be used to attach the connector to the body of the endoscope. Varying the adapter permits the sheath device to be attached to various endoscope bodies.