Variable-Stiffness Endoscopic Insertion Tube for Looping Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing endoscopes lack the ability to vary the stiffness of their insertion portions, leading to patient discomfort and increased examination time due to looping or difficulty in reaching certain body regions, and existing solutions do not provide complete mechanical control over flexibility.
Innovation Solution
The endoscope assembly incorporates elements such as screws, wires, springs, and actuators made of superelastic materials like Nitinol, along with mechanisms for controlling stiffness through mechanical or electrical means, allowing for variable flexibility and stiffness adjustments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If the insertion portion is made stiffer, then looping is reduced, but the ability to navigate curved paths and reach difficult areas is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the stiffness of the insertion portion adjustable rather than fixed. A control mechanism allows the insertion portion to transition between a stiff state for reducing looping and a flexible state for navigating curved paths, enabling the system to adapt its mechanical properties based on the procedural requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by varying the stiffness parameter of the insertion portion through controlled expansion or contraction of a bending section. This allows the insertion portion to change its mechanical characteristics dynamically, transitioning between stiff and flexible states as needed for different navigation scenarios.
2Ease of operation
If the insertion portion is made more flexible, then it is easier to reach difficult areas, but looping increases and patient discomfort may increase
Solution Approach 1:
The control mechanism enables dynamic adjustment of the insertion portion's stiffness, allowing it to be flexible when needed for reaching difficult areas and stiff when needed to prevent looping. This dynamic control resolves the contradiction by making the property changeable rather than fixed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the stiffness parameter of the insertion portion through controlled expansion/contraction of the bending section, enabling it to be flexible for navigation and stiff for stability, thus resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and structural stability.
3Reliability
If repeated reprocessing and cleaning are performed, then the endoscope is maintained, but the flexible characteristics of the insertion portion deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The control mechanism allows the insertion portion to be actively adjusted to maintain its desired stiffness characteristics even after reprocessing. By applying controlled expansion or contraction, the system can compensate for the natural degradation of flexible characteristics during cleaning cycles.
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 precise control over the stiffness of the insertion portion, enhancing maneuverability and reducing patient discomfort by adapting to different anatomical regions, thus improving examination efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a wire having a proximal end and a distal end, wherein the proximal end of the wire is connected to the stopper, the wire stretches along a length of the insertion portion, and the distal end of the wire is connected to a proximal end of the bending portion and wherein the wire stiffens the insertion portion upon rotation of the screw towards distal end of the insertion portion
Implementation Method 2
a spring, having a proximal end and a distal end, wherein the proximal end of the spring is connected to the actuator and wherein the actuator activates the spring; and, a wire, having a proximal end and a distal end, with the proximal end of the wire connected to the distal end of the spring
Data Source
AI summary
The specification describes endoscopes that enable varying stiffness of an insertion portion in an endoscope assembly. In one example, an actuator operates either a spring or a flexible tube to vary stiffness of the insertion portion. In alternative examples, an elliptical wheel arrangement or screw mechanism provides a means to increase stiffness of the insertion portion of an endoscope assembly. In further examples, fluid and gas may be used inside the insertion potion to vary stiffness by varying pressure of the fluid/gas.