Variable-Stiffness Endoscope Cord for Buckling-Free Navigation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing endoscopes, particularly flexible endoscopes, face challenges in navigating tortuous paths due to limited column strength and flexibility, leading to buckling, loop formation, and difficulty in transmitting force and torque, which strains operators and prolongs procedures, especially in colonoscopies, while single-use endoscopes require cost-effective manufacturing and improved versatility.
Innovation Solution
An endoscope design with a variable stiffness insertion cord stiffener using a coil and a rotatable control ring to adjust tension in a wire, allowing for adjustable stiffness without requiring structural reinforcements, made from low-cost materials like plastic, and optionally featuring multiple stiffeners for enhanced rigidity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the insertion cord is made flexible to navigate tortuous paths, then the ability to follow body cavities improves, but the column strength decreases causing buckling and loop formation
Solution Approach 1:
The insertion cord incorporates a stiffener element with variable stiffness that can be dynamically adjusted during the procedure. The control ring allows the operator to change the tension on the stiffener wire, thereby modifying the stiffness of the insertion cord in real-time to match the requirements of different anatomical passages.
Solution Approach 2:
The stiffness parameter of the insertion cord is made changeable through the variable stiffener mechanism. By rotating the control ring, the operator adjusts the wire tension, which directly changes the stiffness parameter of the insertion cord to optimize performance for different procedural needs.
2Strength
If the insertion cord is made stiff to improve column strength, then the ability to transmit force improves, but the flexibility to navigate bends decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The variable stiffener mechanism allows dynamic adjustment of insertion cord stiffness. When navigating bends, the operator can reduce stiffener tension to increase flexibility; when force transmission is needed, the operator increases tension to enhance column strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The stiffness parameter is made adjustable to optimize performance for different operational requirements. The control ring enables continuous modification of the stiffness parameter, allowing the insertion cord to transition between flexible and stiff states as needed.
3Ease of operation
If a variable stiffness mechanism is added to the endoscope, then the maneuverability improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control ring serves multiple functions: it controls the stiffener mechanism and provides an intuitive interface for stiffness adjustment. The helical engagement surface provides both the control mechanism and the structural connection, reducing the need for separate control components.
Solution Approach 2:
The stiffener wire is nested within the insertion cord, and the control mechanism is integrated into the handle assembly. The helical engagement surface is formed as part of the control ring structure, minimizing additional components and reducing overall device complexity.
4Reliability
If single-use endoscopes are used to eliminate cross-contamination risk, then the reliability improves, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The endoscope is designed as a single-use disposable device with a cost-effective construction. The insertion cord uses inexpensive materials such as polyethylene or polypropylene, and the variable stiffener mechanism employs simple components like a control ring with helical engagement surface and basic wire elements, making the overall device affordable for single-use application.
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
The design provides improved maneuverability and reduced operator strain by enhancing the stiffness of the insertion cord, facilitating easier navigation through body cavities and reducing procedure time and cost, while being environmentally friendly and cost-effective.
Implementation Method 1
Rotation of the control ring changes tension in the wire and causes the coil to tension or relax, thereby changing the stiffness of the insertion cord
Data Source
AI summary
An endoscope having a proximal handle and a flexible insertion cord extending in distal direction from the handle, and further provided with an insertion cord stiffener. The stiffener includes a coil and a wire extending through the coil and being attached to the coil at the coil distal end. A control at the handle operates the stiffener by tensioning the wire.