Wireless Disposable Endoscope with Cannula Locking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional endoscopes are cumbersome due to their reliance on external power sources via cables, which complicates their use in minimally invasive surgical procedures.
Innovation Solution
A wireless, battery-powered disposable endoscope with a locking mechanism that can securely attach to a cannula, eliminating the need for external power cords and allowing for easier handling during procedures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional endoscopes are connected by a cable or cord to an external power supply, then power can be provided to the illumination components, but the use becomes cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the power source from the external environment and places it within the endoscope device itself. A battery is integrated into the endoscope housing, eliminating the need for external power supplies and cables. This extraction of the power source resolves the contradiction by removing the cumbersome cable connection while maintaining continuous power supply to illumination components.
Solution Approach 2:
The endoscope becomes self-sufficient by incorporating its own power source (battery) and power management electronics within the device. The system serves itself by generating and managing its own power requirements internally, eliminating dependence on external power infrastructure and simplifying the operational setup.
2Ease of operation
If a wireless, battery-powered design is used, then operational ease is improved, but the device requires integration of power source and electronics
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple functional components into a single integrated endoscope device. The battery, power management electronics, illumination components, and endoscope tube are combined into one cohesive unit. This merging resolves the contradiction by consolidating the complexity internally while presenting a simplified, cable-free interface to the user.
Solution Approach 2:
The endoscope device performs multiple functions within a single integrated system: illumination, imaging, and power management. The universal design incorporates a battery-powered system that handles all power requirements internally, making the device independently functional without requiring external power infrastructure or multiple separate components.
3Reliability
If a locking mechanism is added to attach to cannula, then secure attachment is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is designed to replicate or mate with the existing cannula connector interface. By copying or adapting to the standard cannula connection geometry, the endoscope achieves secure attachment without requiring a completely new or complex locking system. This approach maintains reliability while minimizing added complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A cordless endoscope assembly includes a housing, an endoscope tube and an eyepiece. Electronics are housed in the housing and operable to operate one or more light sources in the endoscope, the electronics including one or more batteries and a printed circuit board. The housing includes a connector configured to removably couple with a cannula connector of a cannula when the endoscope tube is inserted through the cannula. The cordless endoscope is a disposable single use endoscope that can optionally be sterilized with an ethylene oxide (EtO) sterilization process.