NL2017570B1 - Bendable tube with elastic hinge - Google Patents

Bendable tube with elastic hinge Download PDF

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Publication number
NL2017570B1
NL2017570B1 NL2017570A NL2017570A NL2017570B1 NL 2017570 B1 NL2017570 B1 NL 2017570B1 NL 2017570 A NL2017570 A NL 2017570A NL 2017570 A NL2017570 A NL 2017570A NL 2017570 B1 NL2017570 B1 NL 2017570B1
Authority
NL
Netherlands
Prior art keywords
slot
circumferential
tubular member
longitudinal
slit
Prior art date
Application number
NL2017570A
Other languages
Dutch (nl)
Inventor
Hendrik Louis Thissen Mattheus
Original Assignee
Fortimedix Surgical B V
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Priority to NL2017570A priority Critical patent/NL2017570B1/en
Application filed by Fortimedix Surgical B V filed Critical Fortimedix Surgical B V
Priority to EP17787048.2A priority patent/EP3518729B1/en
Priority to CN202210369812.8A priority patent/CN114916894A/en
Priority to EP20163687.5A priority patent/EP3733045B1/en
Priority to ES17787048T priority patent/ES2798430T3/en
Priority to KR1020197009539A priority patent/KR102448203B1/en
Priority to CN201780067948.0A priority patent/CN109922704B/en
Priority to KR1020237044073A priority patent/KR20240006072A/en
Priority to PCT/NL2017/050645 priority patent/WO2018067004A1/en
Priority to EP24162817.1A priority patent/EP4356949A2/en
Priority to US16/339,004 priority patent/US11330964B2/en
Priority to KR1020227032396A priority patent/KR102619839B1/en
Priority to JP2019539726A priority patent/JP7073386B2/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of NL2017570B1 publication Critical patent/NL2017570B1/en
Priority to US17/726,549 priority patent/US20220240757A1/en
Priority to JP2022077930A priority patent/JP2022119805A/en

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Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B1/00—Instruments for performing medical examinations of the interior of cavities or tubes of the body by visual or photographical inspection, e.g. endoscopes; Illuminating arrangements therefor
    • A61B1/005—Flexible endoscopes
    • A61B1/0051—Flexible endoscopes with controlled bending of insertion part
    • A61B1/0055—Constructional details of insertion parts, e.g. vertebral elements
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B1/00—Instruments for performing medical examinations of the interior of cavities or tubes of the body by visual or photographical inspection, e.g. endoscopes; Illuminating arrangements therefor
    • A61B1/00064—Constructional details of the endoscope body
    • A61B1/00071—Insertion part of the endoscope body
    • A61B1/00073—Insertion part of the endoscope body with externally grooved shaft
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
    • A61M25/00—Catheters; Hollow probes
    • A61M25/0009—Making of catheters or other medical or surgical tubes
    • A61M25/0013—Weakening parts of a catheter tubing, e.g. by making cuts in the tube or reducing thickness of a layer at one point to adjust the flexibility
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
    • A61M25/00—Catheters; Hollow probes
    • A61M25/0043—Catheters; Hollow probes characterised by structural features
    • A61M25/0054—Catheters; Hollow probes characterised by structural features with regions for increasing flexibility
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
    • A61M25/00—Catheters; Hollow probes
    • A61M25/01—Introducing, guiding, advancing, emplacing or holding catheters
    • A61M25/0105—Steering means as part of the catheter or advancing means; Markers for positioning
    • A61M25/0133—Tip steering devices
    • A61M25/0138—Tip steering devices having flexible regions as a result of weakened outer material, e.g. slots, slits, cuts, joints or coils
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B17/00—Surgical instruments, devices or methods, e.g. tourniquets
    • A61B17/00234—Surgical instruments, devices or methods, e.g. tourniquets for minimally invasive surgery
    • A61B2017/00292—Surgical instruments, devices or methods, e.g. tourniquets for minimally invasive surgery mounted on or guided by flexible, e.g. catheter-like, means
    • A61B2017/003—Steerable
    • A61B2017/00305—Constructional details of the flexible means
    • A61B2017/00309—Cut-outs or slits

Abstract

A tube like member (61) with a first circumferential slit (43) and a second circumferential slit (45). The first circumferential slit (43) has a first end (7) and a second end, the second circumferential slit (45) has a third end (11) and a fourth end (413), the first end and the third end are located on a first radial circumference (400). The first and second circumferential slits provide flexibility to the tube like member. A first bridge (15) is provided extending in a longitudinally direction between the first and the third end. A first longitudinal slit (17) and a second longitudinal slit (19) extend longitudinally along the tube like member. Third and fourth circumferential slits (543, 545) partly overlap with the first and second circumferential slits (43, 45) in the circumferential direction but are separated therefrom by circumferential strips (12, 14).

Description

BENDABLE TUBE WITH ELASTIC HINGE
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[ 01 ] The invention relates to a bendable tube with an elastic hinge. The invention also relates to a medical device such as an endoscope comprising a bendable tube with an elastic hinge.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[ 02 ] Bendable tubes with elastic hinges are well known for applications such as minimal invasive surgery or endoscopic examinations of a patient’s internal structure such as the alimentary canals and airways, e.g., the esophagus, stomach, lungs, colon, uterus, urethra, kidney, and other organ systems, but they are also applicable for other purposes such as the inspection or reparation of mechanical or electronic installations at locations which are difficult to reach. In the further description the term endoscopic applications or endoscopic instrument will be used but the term must be interpreted as covering also other applications or instruments as explained above.
[ 03 ] US 2007/0049800 A1 discloses a method for forming an endoscope articulation joint having a number of hinge elements therein, wherein each hinge comprises a pair of opposing V-shaped slits in the outer wall that are separated by a pair of opposing flex points. The hinges are circumferentially arranged in an alternating 90 degree pattern to achieve articulation in two planes. The bending capacity of the hinges is constraint by the tension that the flex points can support. Also, the flex points will abut outwardly when the joint is bent. In this case, when the joint is introduced inside of another tube, the flex point abutments may touch the other tube thereby limiting and/or preventing the movement and/or the bending of the joint.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[ 04 ] It is an objective of the invention to provide a bendable tube with an improved hinge.
[ 05 ] This is achieved by a tube like member as claimed in independent claim 1.
[ 06 ] The tube like member according to the invention has an improved flexible portion because when the tube like member is bent along a bending axis, one of the circumferential slits will open while the other circumferential slit will close, thereby generating a moment over the intermediate part located between the circumferential slits, i.e., over the first bridge.
[ 07 ] Advantageous embodiments of the invention are claimed in dependent claims.
[ 08 ] The invention also relates to an instrument for endoscopic applications comprising such a tube like member.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[ 09 ] Further features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the description of the invention by way of non-limiting and non-exclusive embodiments. These embodiments are not to be construed as limiting the scope of protection. The person skilled in the art will realize that other alternatives and equivalent embodiments of the invention can be conceived and reduced to practice without departing from the scope of the present invention. Moreover, separate features of different embodiments can be combined, even if not explicitly shown in the drawings or explained in the specification, unless such combination is physically impossible. The scope of the present invention is only limited by the claims and their technical equivalents. Embodiments of the invention will be described with reference to the figures of the accompanying drawings, in which like or same reference symbols denote like, same or corresponding parts, and in which: [ 10 ] Figure 1 shows a schematic perspective view of an embodiment of a tube like member.
[ 11 ] Figure 2 shows a schematic perspective view of another embodiment of a tube like member.
[ 12 ] Figure 3 shows a schematic perspective view of another embodiment of a tube like member.
[ 13 ] Figure 4 shows a schematic perspective view of another embodiment of a tube like member.
[ 14 ] Figure 5 shows a schematic perspective view of another embodiment of a tube like member.
[ 15 ] Figure 6 shows a schematic perspective view of the tube like member of figure 5 in a bending position.
[ 16 ] Figures 7A-7D show a schematic views of another embodiment of a tube like member.
[ 17 ] Figure 8 shows a tube like member with alternative bridges between circumferential slits.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS
[ 18 ] It is observed that the flexible tube member as explained hereinafter can be applied in any desired instrument which needs a bendable tube. However, it can advantageously be applied in medical instruments like the ones disclosed / described in WO2015/084157, WO2015/084174, WO2016/089202, PCT/NL2015/050798, PCT/NL2016/050471, PCT/NL2016/050522, NL2016900.
[ 19 ] Figure 1 shows a schematic perspective view of a flexible tube like member according to a first embodiment. The tube is made of a flexible material and has a hinge comprising one or more flexible portions.
[ 20 ] The tube like member 1 has a flexible portion 2 comprising bending means 6.
[ 21 ] The flexible portion 2 of the tube like member 1 has a circumferential slit 3 and a circumferential slit 5. The circumferential slit 3 has an end 7 and an end 9. The circumferential slit 3 extends from the end 7 to the end 9 partly surrounding the tube like member 1 in a circumferential direction A. The circumferential slit 5 has an end 11 and an end 13. The circumferential slit 5 extends from the end 11 to the end 13 partly surrounding the tube like member 1 in a circumferential direction B. The circumferential direction A and the second circumferential direction B are opposite circumferential directions. The tube like member 1 has a central axis 29 which is an axis of symmetry. The end 7 and the end 11 are located on a circumference having a central point located on the central axis 29 and being located in a surface perpendicular to the central axis 29. In the embodiment of figure 1, the circumferential slits 3 and 5 are also located on that circumference. The end 7 and the end 11 are arranged facing each other. Preferably, the end 7 and the end 13 are connected by a line which intersects central axis 29. Moreover, preferably, the end 11 and the end 9 are connected by a line which intersects central axis 29.
[ 22 ] The tube like member 1 has a bridge 15 extending longitudinally between the end 7 and the end 11. The bridge 15 connects a first portion 8 of tube like member 1 to a second portion 10 of tube like member 1, which are located on opposite sides of the circumferential slit 3 and circumferential slit 5.
[ 23 ] The tube like member 1 has a longitudinal slit 17 which is oriented longitudinally along the tube like member 1. The tube like member 1 also has a longitudinal slit 19 which is also oriented longitudinally along the tube like member 1. The longitudinal slit 17 comprises a longitudinal edge 21 and a longitudinal edge 23. The circumferential slit 3 is communicatively connected to the longitudinal slit 17 at the end 7 and the longitudinal edge 21. The longitudinal slit 19 comprises a longitudinal edge 25 and a longitudinal edge 27. The circumferential slit 5 is communicatively connected to the longitudinal slit 19 at the longitudinal edge 27 and the end 11. The longitudinal edge 23 and the longitudinal edge 25 are facing each other in a longitudinal direction of the tube like member 1 such that they define longitudinal sides of the bridge 15.
[ 24 ] As will become more clear with reference to figure 6, the tube like member 1 can be bent by using the bridge 15 as a point of rotation and opening one of the slits 3, 5 and closing the other one of the slits 3, 5. The bridge 15 is stress loaded and is designed such that the exerted stress on the bridge 15 when one of the slits 3, 5 just closes remains within its stress tolerance above which the bridge 15 will be overstretched and deformed permanently. E.g., if a flexible portion 2 is designed to bend at a maximum angle of, for instance, 6° the bridge 15 may not rupture. Other maximum angles may be applied as well.
[ 25 ] The embodiment of figure 1 can be extended by two further slits (not shown) identical to slits 3, 5 but located at another portion of the tube like member 1 and shifted longitudinally relative to the slits 3,5. Preferably, they are circumferentially rotated 90° about the axis 29 relative to the slits 3, 5 such that all slits together form a hinge that provide the tube like member with the capacity to be easily bent in all directions. Moreover, more identical pairs of such slits can be provided in the tube like member 1, each pair being longitudinally shifted and rotated about a predetermined angle, e.g. 90°, relative to an adjacent pair, thus providing the tube like member 1 with a section that can be bent about a desired angle.
[ 26 ] Figure 2 shows a schematic perspective view of another tube like member embodiment 31.
[ 27 ] In figure 2, same reference numbers as in figure 1 have been used to refer to common elements.
[ 28 ] The circumferential slit 3 of tube like member 31 of figure 2 has end 7 and an end 39. The circumferential slit 3 extends from the end 7 to the end 39 partly surrounding the tube like member in a radial circumferential direction C. The circumferential slit 5 has end 11 and an end 313. The circumferential slit 5 extends from the end 11 to the end 313 partly surrounding the tube like member 31 in the an opposite radial circumferential direction D. The tube like member 31 has a central axis 29. The end 7, the end 39, the end 11 and the end 313 are located on a circumference having a center point 350 located on the central axis. The circumferential slits 3, 5 are located on that circumference. The end 39 and the end 313 are arranged facing each other.
[ 29 ] Apart from bridge 15, the tube like member 31 has a bridge 315 extending longitudinally between the end 39 and the end 313.
[ 30 ] The tube like member 31 has a longitudinal slit 317 which is extending longitudinally along the tube like member 31. The longitudinal slit 317 is located in the tube like member 31 opposite to the longitudinal slit 21. The tube like member 31 also has a longitudinal slit 319 which is also extending longitudinally along the tube like member 31. The longitudinal slit 319 is located opposite to the longitudinal slit 19. The longitudinal slit 317 comprises a longitudinal edge 321 and a longitudinal edge 323. The circumferential slit 3 is communicatively connected to the longitudinal slit 317 at the end 39 and at the longitudinal edge 321. The longitudinal slit 319 comprises a longitudinal edge 325 and a longitudinal edge 327. The circumferential slit 5 is communicatively connected to the longitudinal slit 319 at the end 313 and at the longitudinal edge 327. The longitudinal edge 323 and the longitudinal edge 325 are facing each other in a longitudinal direction of the tube like member such that they define longitudinal sides of the bridge 315.
[ 31 ] As will become more clear with reference to figure 6, the tube like member 31 can be bent by using the bridge 15 and bridge 315 as points of rotation and opening one of the circumferential slits 3, 5 and closing the other one of the circumferential slits 3, 5. The bridge 15 and bridge 315 are stress loaded and are designed such that the exerted stress on the bridge 15 and the bride 315 when one of the slits 3, 5 just closes remains within their stress tolerance above which the bridge 15 and bridge 315 will be overstretched and deformed permanently. E.g., if a flexible portion 2 is designed to bend at a maximum angle of, for instance, 6° (or other value) the bridges 15, 315 may not rupture.
[ 32 ] The embodiment of figure 2 can be extended by two further circumferential slits (not shown) identical to the pair of circumferential slits 3, 5 with longitudinal slits identical to the longitudinal slits 17, 19, 317, 319 and located at another portion of the tube like member 31, shifted longitudinally relative to the circumferential slits 3,5. Preferably, they are circumferentially rotated 90° about the axis 29 relative to the circumferential slits 3, 5 such that all circumferential slits together form a hinge that provide the tube like member 31 with the capacity to be easily bent in all directions. Moreover, more pairs of such circumferential slits with longitudinal slits at their ends can be provided in the tube like member 1, each pair being longitudinally shifted and rotated about a predetermined angle relative to an adjacent pair, thus providing the tube like member 31 with a section that can be bent about a desired angle in any desired direction.
[ 33 ] Figure 3 shows a schematic perspective view of another tube like member embodiment.
[ 34 ] In figure 3, same reference numbers as in figure 1 have been used to refer to common elements.
[ 35 ] The tube like member 41 has a circumferential slit 43 and a circumferential slit 45. The circumferential slit 43 has end 7 and an end 49. The circumferential slit 43 extends from the end 7 to the end 49 partly surrounding the tube like member in a circumferential direction E. The slit 45 has end 11 and an end 413. The circumferential slit 45 extends from the end 11 to the end 413 partly surrounding the tube like member in a circumferential direction F.
The circumferential direction E and the circumferential direction F are opposite directions. The tube like member has a central axis 29. The end 7 and the end 11 are located on a circumference 400 having a central point 402 on the central axis 29 and as its radius 404 a line extending from the end 7 to the central axis 29 and perpendicular to the central axis 29. The end 7 and the end 11 are arranged facing each other. The bridge 15 extends longitudinally between the end 7 and the end 11.
[ 36 ] The tube like member 41 has the same longitudinal slit 17 and the same longitudinal slit 19 as the tube like member 1. The longitudinal slit 17 and the longitudinal slit 19 are also located longitudinally along the tube like member 41 such that they define the sides of the bridge 15.
[ 37 ] The circumferential direction E forms an angle 406 with the circumference 400. The circumferential direction F forms an angle 408 with the circumference 400. The angles 406 and 408 are preferably between -10° and +10° degrees, more preferably between -8° and +8° degrees. Preferably, angles 406 and 408 have the same value.
[ 38 ] Figure 4 shows a schematic perspective view of another embodiment of a tube like member 51 according to this invention.
[ 39 ] In figure 4, the same reference numbers as in figures 1 and 3 have been used to refer to the same elements.
[ 40 ] The tube like member 51 comprises circumferential slit 43 and circumferential slit 45. The circumferential slit 43 has end 7 and end 49. The circumferential slit 43 extends from the end 7 to the end 49 partly surrounding the tube like member in circumferential direction E. The slit 45 has end 11 and end 413. The circumferential slit 45 extends from the end 11 to the end 413 partly surrounding the tube like member in circumferential direction F. The circumferential direction E and the circumferential direction F are opposite directions. The tube like member 51 has a central axis 29. The end 7 and the end 11 are located on circumference 400. The end 7 and the end 11 are arranged facing each other. The bridge 15 extends longitudinally between the end 7 and the end 11.
[ 41 ] Like tube like members 1 and 41 of figures 1 and 4, the tube like member 51 has longitudinal slit 17 and longitudinal slit 19 which are located longitudinally along the tube like member 41 such that they define the longitudinal sides of the bridge 15.
[ 42 ] The circumferential direction E forms angle 406 with the circumference 400. The circumferential direction F forms angle 408 with the circumference 400. The angles 406 and 408 are preferably between -10° and +10° degrees, more preferably between -8° and +8° degrees. They may have the same value.
[ 43 ] The tube like member 51 has a circumferential slit 543 and a circumferential slit 545. The circumferential slit 543 has an end 57 and an end 549 (not shown in figure 4). The circumferential slit 543 extends from the end 57 to the end 549 partly surrounding the tube like member in a circumferential direction. The circumferential slit 545 has an end 511 and an end 513. The circumferential slit 545 extends from the end 511 to the end 513 partly surrounding the tube like member in an circumferential direction G. The circumferential direction F and the circumferential direction G are opposite directions. The end 57 and the end 511 are located at the circumference 400.
The end 57 and the end 511 are arranged facing each other. The tube like member 51 has a bridge 515 extending longitudinally between the end 57 and the end 511.
[ 44 ] The tube like member 51 has a longitudinal slit 517 and a longitudinal slit 519 which are extending longitudinally along the tube like member 51 such that they define longitudinal sides of the bridge 515.
[ 45 ] The circumferential direction H forms an angle 506 with the circumference 400. The circumferential direction G forms an angle 508 with the circumference 400. The angles 506 and 508 are preferably between -10° and +10° degrees, more preferably between -8° and +8° degrees. Preferably, angles 506 and 508 have the same value.
[ 46 ] The longitudinal slit 517 comprises a longitudinal edge 521 and a longitudinal edge 523. The longitudinal slit 517 is communicatively connected to the circumferential slit 543 at the end 57 and the longitudinal edge 521. The longitudinal slit 519 comprises a longitudinal edge 525 and an longitudinal edge 527. The longitudinal slit 519 is communicatively connected to the circumferential slit 545 at the end 511 and the longitudinal edge 527. The longitudinal edge 523 and the longitudinal edge 525 are facing each other in a longitudinal direction of the tube like member 51 such that they define longitudinal sides of the bridge 515.
[ 47 ] Bridges 15 and 515 are, preferably, located on locations on tube like member 51 rotated 180° away from each other on the circumference 400.
[ 48 ] As shown in figure 4, circumferential slit 43 and circumferential slit 545 overlap circumferentially, i.e. a part of circumferential slit 43 is located adjacent to a part of circumferential slit 545 as seen in a longitudinal direction, however, without these parts engaging one another. A circumferential strip 12 is present between these parts of circumferential slit 43 and circumferential slit 545.
[ 49 ] As is also shown in figure 4, circumferential slit 45 and circumferential slit 543 overlap circumferentially, i.e. a part of circumferential slit 45 is located adjacent to a part of circumferential slit 543 as seen in a longitudinal direction, however, without these parts engaging one another. A circumferential strip 14 is present between these parts of circumferential slit 45 and circumferential slit 543.
[ 50 ] The way the hinge of figure 4 operates will become apparent from figure 6 and the associated description.
[ 51 ] In figure 5, the same reference numbers as in figures 2, 3 and 4 have been used to refer to the same elements. Basically, figure 5 shows a tube like member 61 comprising the flexible portion 2 of figure 4 and an additional flexible portion 2’. The description of the flexible portion 2 of figure 4 will not be repeated here. Only the additional flexible portion 2’ will be described in detail here. The additional flexible portion 2’ has a circumferential slit 643 and a circumferential slit 645. The circumferential slit 643 has an end 67 and an end 649. The circumferential slit 643 extends from the end 67 to the end 649 partly surrounding the tube like member in a circumferential direction I. The circumferential slit 645 has an end 611 and a twelfth end 6413. The circumferential slit 645 extends from the end 611 to the twelfth end 6413 partly surrounding the tube like member in a circumferential direction J. The circumferential direction I and the circumferential direction J are opposite directions. The end 67 and the end 611 are located in a circumference 600 having a central point a point 602 located in the central axis 29. The end 67 and the end 611 are arranged facing each other. The tube like member 61 has a bridge 615 extending longitudinally between the end 67 and the end 611.
[ 52 ] The tube like member 61 has a longitudinal slit 617 which is extending longitudinally along the tube like member 61. The tube like member 61 also has a longitudinal slit 619 which is also extending longitudinally along the tube like member 61. The longitudinal slit 617 comprises a longitudinal edge 621 and a longitudinal edge 623. The circumferential slit 643 is communicatively connected to the longitudinal slit 617 at the end 67 and at the longitudinal edge 621. The longitudinal slit 619 comprises a longitudinal edge 625 and a longitudinal edge 627. The circumferential slit 645 is communicatively connected to the longitudinal slit 619 at the end 611 and at the twelfth longitudinal edge 627. The longitudinal edge 623 and the eleventh longitudinal edge 625 are facing each other in a longitudinal direction of the tube like member such that they define longitudinal sides of the bridge 615.
[ 53 ] The circumferential direction I forms an angle 606 with the circumference 600. The circumferential direction J forms an angle 608 with the circumference 600. The angles 606 and 608 are preferably between -10° and +10° degrees, more preferably between -8° and +8° degrees. Preferably, angles 606 and 608 have the same value.
[ 54 ] The tube like member 61 has a circumferential slit 6543 and an circumferential slit 6545. The circumferential slit 6543 has an end 657 and an end 6549. The circumferential slit 6543 extends from the thirteenth end 657 to the fourteenth end 6549 partly surrounding the tube like member in a circumferential direction K. The circumferential slit 6545 has an end 6511 and an end 6513. The circumferential slit 6545 extends from the end 6511 to the end 6513 partly surrounding the tube like member 61 in a circumferential direction L. The circumferential direction K and the circumferential direction L are opposite directions. The end 657, the end 6549, the end 6511 and the end 6513 are located on the circumference 600. The end 657 and the end 6511 are arranged facing each other. The tube like member 61 has a bridge 6515 extending longitudinally between the thirteenth end 657 and the fifteenth end 6511.
[ 55 ] The tube like member 61 has a longitudinal slit 6517 and a longitudinal slit 6519 which are located longitudinally along the tube like member 61 such that they define sides of the bridge 6515.
[ 56 ] The circumferential direction K forms an angle 614 with the circumference 600. The circumferential direction L forms an angle 612 with the circumference 600. The angles 612 and 614 are preferably between -10° and +10° degrees, more preferably between -8° and +8° degrees. Preferably, angles 612 and 614 have the same value.
[ 57 ] The longitudinal slit 6517 comprises a longitudinal edge 6521 and a longitudinal edge 6523. The circumferential slit 6543 is communicatively connected to longitudinal slit 6517 at the end 657 and at the longitudinal edge 6521. The longitudinal slit 6519 comprises a longitudinal edge 6525 and a longitudinal edge 6527. The circumferential slit 6545 is communicatively connected to the longitudinal slit 6519 at the end 6511 and at the longitudinal edge 6527. The longitudinal edge 6523 and the longitudinal edge 6525 are facing each other in a longitudinal direction of the tube like member 61 such that they define longitudinal sides of the bridge 6515.
[ 58 ] Bridges 615 and 6515 are, preferably, located on locations on tube like member 61 rotated 180° away from each other on the circumference 600. Moreover, the pair of bridges 615, 6515 is rotated, preferably, about 90° circumferentially relative to the pair of bridges 15, 515.
[ 59 ] As shown in figure 5, circumferential slit 6543 and circumferential slit 645 overlap circumferentially, i.e. a part of circumferential slit 6543 is located adjacent to a part of circumferential slit 645 as seen in a longitudinal direction, however, without these parts engaging one another. A circumferential strip 18 is present between these parts of circumferential slit 6543 and circumferential slit 645.
[ 60 ] As is also shown in figure 5, circumferential slit 6545 and circumferential slit 643 overlap circumferentially, i.e. a part of circumferential slit 6545 is located adjacent to a part of circumferential slit 643 as seen in a longitudinal direction, however, without these parts engaging one another. A circumferential strip 20 is present between these parts of circumferential slit 6545 and circumferential slit 643.
[ 61 ] Figure 6 shows a schematic perspective view of the tube like member of figure 5 in a bent position.
[ 62 ] In figure 6, the same reference numbers as in figures 2-5 have been used to refer to the same elements.
[ 63 ] As can be seen in figure 6, when the tube like member 61 is bent along a bending axis (which will normally be the central axis 29), for instance circumferential slits 43, 513 may open while circumferential slits 45, 549 may close. I.e., parts 8 and 10 may rotate about bridges 15 and 515. The side of the bridge 15 defined by the longitudinal edge 23, i.e., the side of the bridge 15 that is nearest to the circumferential slit 43, will experience two opposite longitudinal forces away from each other, i.e. one directed towards part 8 and one directed towards part 10, as indicated by arrows M and N, respectively. Under the effect of these opposite forces M and N, due to the elasticity of the bridge 15, the bridge 15 at its longitudinal edge 23 will longitudinally expand in size. On the other hand, the side of the bridge 15 defined by the longitudinal edge 25, i.e., the side of the bridge 15 that is nearer to the circumferential slit 45, will experience two opposite longitudinal forces towards each other, i.e. one directed from part 8 towards the centre of bridge 15 and one directed from part 10 towards the centre of bridge 15, as indicated with arrows O and P, respectively. Under the effect of these opposite forces O and P, due to the elasticity of the bridge 15, the bridge 15 at its longitudinal edge 25 will shrink longitudinally. A similar effect occurs in bridge 515.
[ 64 ] Again, the bridges 15, 515 should be designed such that when circumferential slits 45 and 549 are just closing during a bending action, the stress in bridge 15 remains within its stress tolerances such that no overstretching in bridges 15, 515 is caused and the material is damaged irreversibly. E.g., if a flexible portion 2 is designed to bend at a maximum angle of, for instance, 6° (or other value) the bridge 15 may not rupture.
[ 65 ] The bending portions formed by the rest of the circumferential slits and longitudinal slits of figure 1-2 work in a similar manner.
[ 66 ] By providing the respective tube like members 1,31,41,51,61 with respective circumferential slits 3, 5, 43, 45, 543, 545, 643, 645, 6543, 6545 and at least one respective longitudinal slit 17, 19, 517, 519, 617, 619, 6517, 6519 which is communicatively connected to the respective circumferential slit 3, 5, 43, 45, 543, 545, 643, 645, 6543, 6545 at one end, bending of the tube like member 1,31, 41, 51, 61 by opening / closing of respective circumferential slits 3, 5, 43, 45, 543, 545, 643, 645, 6543, 6545 is greatly facilitated and material stress at the ends of circumferential slits 3, 5, 43, 45, 543, 545, 643, 645, 6543, 6545 where they touch respective bridges 15, 515, 615, 6515 is reduced.
[ 67 ] Moreover, torsional stiffness of the tube like members 51, 61 is improved because of the circumferential strips 12, 14, 18, 20.1.e., as seen in a circumferential direction, two partially overlapping circumferential slits provide the tube like member 51, 61 with the capacity to open along almost 180° when the tube like member is bent, without the tube like member 51,61 being provided with a circumferential slit extending along almost 180° which would weaken the construction and reduce the torsion stiffness. The width and length of the circumferential strips 12, 14, 18, 20 are selected such that the tube like members 1,31, 41, 51, 61 have a desired torsional stiffness, which also depends on the used material. Moreover, the width and thickness of the circumferential strips 12, 14, 18, 20 is selected such that they have a certain flexibility but remain within their stress tolerance during maximal bending of the flexible portion 2. E.g., if a flexible portion 2 is designed to bend at a maximum angle of, for instance, 6° (or other value) the circumferential strips 12, 14, 18, 20 may not rupture.
[ 68 ] Figures 7A-7D show another embodiment of a tube like member 71. The tube like member 71 comprises several features indicated with references signs already used in above figures and which refer to the same features. Their explanation will not be repeated here.
[ 69 ] Here, flexible portion 2 comprises the circumferential slit 3 which is communicatively connected to longitudinal slit 17 via a curved intermediate slit 22. I.e. curved intermediate slit 22 has one end connected to end 7 of circumferential slit 3 and another end connected to an end of longitudinal slit 17.
[ 70 ] Similarly, the circumferential slit 5 is communicatively connected to longitudinal slit 19 via a curved intermediate slit 24. I.e. curved intermediate slit 24 has one end connected to end 11 of circumferential slit 5 and another end connected to an end of longitudinal slit 19. Longitudinal slits 17 and 19 define the bridge 15.
[ 71 ] As can best be seen in figure 7B, which shows a 3D view of the tube like member 71, circumferential slit 5, at its end 313, is connected to a curved intermediate slit 28 which connects the circumferential slit 5 to an end of longitudinal slit 319. Figure 7B also shows that circumferential slit 3, at its end 39, is connected to a curved intermediate slit 26 which connects circumferential slit 3 to an end of longitudinal slit 317.
[ 72 ] Longitudinal slits 317 and 319 define bridge 315. Bridges 15 and 315 are, preferably, located in locations on the tube like member 71 which are circumferentially rotated about 180°.
[ 73 ] Preferably, circumferential slits 3, 5 are located on the same circumference 400 (not shown in figures 7A-7D).
[ 74 ] Adjacent to circumferential slits 3, 5 and shifted in the longitudinal direction is another pair of circumferential slits 44, 30 of second flexible portion 2’.
[ 75 ] The circumferential slit 44 is communicatively connected to a longitudinal slit 38 via a curved intermediate slit 42.1.e. curved intermediate slit 42 has one end connected to one end of circumferential slit 44 and another end connected to another end of longitudinal slit 38.
[ 76 ] Similarly, the circumferential slit 30 is communicatively connected to a longitudinal slit 34 via a curved intermediate slit 32.1.e. curved intermediate slit 34 has one end connected to one end of circumferential slit 30 and another end connected to another end of longitudinal slit 34. Longitudinal slits 38 and 34 define a bridge 40. Bridge 40 is, preferably located on a location on tube like member 71 rotated about 90° circumferentially relative to bridge 15.
[ 77 ] As can best be seen in figure 7B, circumferential slit 44, at its other end, is connected to a curved intermediate slit 46 which connects the circumferential slit 44 to an end of longitudinal slit 48. Figure 7B also shows that circumferential slit 30, at its other end, is connected to a curved intermediate slit 54 which connects circumferential slit 30 to an end of a longitudinal slit 52.
[ 78 ] Longitudinal slits 317 and 319 define a bridge 50. Bridges 40 and 50 are, preferably, located in locations on the tube like member 71 which are circumferentially rotated about 180°.
[ 79 ] Preferably, circumferential slits 30, 44 are located on a same circumference.
[ 80 ] By suitably selecting the geometry of the slits in tube like member 71, the first flexible portion 2 with slits 317, 26, 3, 22, 17, 19, 24, 5, 28, 319 can be located quite close to the second flexible portion 2’ with slits 38, 42, 44, 46, 48, 52, 54, 30, 32, 34. Thus, large bending angles, up to 90°, can be achieved in small tube like members having a diameter of only a few mm, e.g. between 0.5 and 3 mm, and a length between 30 and 50 mm.
[ 81 ] Figures 7C and 7D show different side views of tube like member 71.
[ 82 ] Figure 8 shows an embodiment of a tube like member 81 having alternative bridges 72, 74. Like reference numbers refer to the same elements as in other figures. Figure 8 shows a side view of the embodiment of figures 5 and 6 with the alternative bridges. However, such alternative bridges can also be applied in the other embodiments of the invention, as explained with reference to figure 1-7D.
[ 83 ] Figure 8 shows how circumferential slit 45 ends in longitudinal slit 19. However, here longitudinal slit 19 is communicatively connected to a longitudinal slit 60 via a curved slit 62 which may have a U-shape. Circumferential slit 43 ends in longitudinal slit 17. However, here longitudinal slit 17 is communicatively connected to a longitudinal slit 56 via a curved slit 58 which may have a U-shape. Thus, a bridge 72 is present which has a mirrored S-shape. Of course, the shape may alternatively be equal to an S-shape. Alternatively, the bridge 72 may have the form of two U-shaped sub-bridges of which the side legs are oriented in the longitudinal direction and the lower base leg in the circumferential direction. The two U-shaped sub-bridges have oppositely oriented openings and one side leg of one sub-bridge is connected to one side leg of the other sub-bridge. Alternatively, the shape may be a Z-shape or mirrored Z-shape.
[ 84 ] Figure 8 also shows how circumferential slit 645 ends in longitudinal slit 619. However, here longitudinal slit 619 is communicatively connected to a longitudinal slit 68 via a curved slit 70 which may have a U-shape. Circumferential slit 643 ends in longitudinal slit 617. However, here longitudinal slit 17 is communicatively connected to a longitudinal slit 64 via a curved slit 66 which may have a U-shape. Thus, a bridge 74 is formed. The shape of the bridge 74 may have any one of the shapes discussed above with reference to bridge 72.
[ 85 ] It is observed that a tube like member having alternative bridges as shown in figure 8 have a much larger bending angle than embodiments with single straight longitudinal bridges. A tube like member 81 with two such alternative bridges, located 180° rotated relative to each other, and having four circumferential slits 43, 45,.. may be bent about a bending angle of up to 20°, at least up to 15°. So, the embodiment shown in figure 8 may be bent about a bending angle of up to 40°.
[ 86 ] This is about 2 to 3 times more than the embodiments of figures 1 to 7D.
[ 87 ] In all tube like members 1,31, 41, 51, 61, 71, 81 all longitudinal slits may be straight slits with an equal width along their length. In tube like member 71, the longitudinal slits may have the same width as the curved intermediate slits, i.e. may have a width deviation of less than 20% or less than 10%. In all tube like members 1,31, 41, 51, 61, 71, 81 the circumferential slits may be wider, e.g. at maximum 2 times wider, in their center than at their ends. By using slits only, the tube like members can be made with a laser beam without leaving any loose material parts as a result of the laser cutting.
[ 88 ] The tube like members 1,31,41,51,61,71,81 may be a cylindrical tube. The tube like member may, however, have another suitable cross section. E.g., the hollow tube may have an oval or elliptical cross section. The tube like member is hollow, at least at the location where the hinge is provided. The tube like members 1,31,41,51,61,71,81 comprise an outer wall. The flexible portion is formed in the outer wall.
[ 89 ] The tube like members 1,31,41,51,61,71,81 may be formed by injection molding using a suitable biocompatible polymeric material, such as polyurethane, polyethylene, polypropylene or other biocompatible polymers. The tube like member may be made of any other suitable material and/or in any other suitable way. Other suitable materials may be stainless steel, cobalt-chromium, shape memory alloy, such as Nitinol®, plastic, polymer, composites or other curable material.
[ 90 ] The circumferential and longitudinal slits may be made by means of any known material removal technique such as photochemical etching, deep pressing, chipping techniques, however, preferably by laser cutting. All slits are open both to the outside and inside of the tube like member.
[ 91 ] The circumferential slits may have any suitable length, as required by the envisaged application. The circumferential slits in the same tube like member may have the same length or different lengths. The circumferential slits have a length of less than half of the external circumference of the tube like member. Preferably, their length is between 25 and 50%, more preferably between 30 and 45%, and most preferably between 35 and 40% of the external circumference of the tube like member. The circumferential slits may have any suitable width. The circumferential slits of the same tube like member may have the same width or different widths. The circumferential slits may be narrower next to their ending points and wider in their central part.
[ 92 ] The longitudinal slits may have also any suitable length and width, as required by the envisaged application. The longitudinal slits of a tube like member may have the same or different lengths and/or widths.
[ 93 ] Variations in bending and torsion fidelity along the length of the tube like member can be achieved by varying the durometer rating of materials that are used to mold the different segments. Also, the flexibility of the tube like member may be varied by changing the dimensions and locations of the circumferential slits and longitudinal slits and/or by varying the angles between the circumferential slits and the radial circumference.
[ 94 ] The examples and embodiments described herein serve to illustrate rather than to limit the invention. The person skilled in the art will be able to design alternative embodiments without departing from the scope of the claims. Reference signs placed in parentheses in the claims shall not be interpreted to limit the scope of the claims. Items described as separate entities in the claims or the description may be implemented as a single or multiple hardware items combining the features of the items described.
[ 95 ] It is to be understood that the invention is limited by the annexed claims and its technical equivalents only. In this document and in its claims, the verb "to comprise" and its conjugations are used in their non-limiting sense to mean that items following the word are included, without excluding items not specifically mentioned. In addition, reference to an element by the indefinite article "a" or "an" does not exclude the possibility that more than one of the element is present, unless the context clearly requires that there be one and only one of the elements. The indefinite article "a" or "an" thus usually means "at least one".

Claims (17)

1. Buisachtig orgaan (1; 31; 41; 51; 61; 71; 81) dat een eerste flexibele gedeelte (2) heeft waarbij het eerste flexibele gedeelte (2) omvat: een eerste omtrekssleuf (3; 43) en een tweede omtrekssleuf (5; 45), waarbij de eerste omtrekssleuf (3; 43) is ingericht tegenover de tweede omtrekssleuf (5; 45), waarbij de eerste omtrekssleuf (3; 43) een eerste uiteinde (7) en een tweede uiteinde (9; 39; 49) omvat, de eerste omtrekssleuf (3; 43) gedeeltelijk omringend is ingericht rond het buisachtige orgaan dat zich uitstrekt vanuit het eerste uiteinde naar het tweede uiteinde in een eerste omtreksrichting (A; C; E), waarbij de tweede omtrekssleuf een derde uiteinde (11) en een vierde uiteinde (13; 313; 413) omvat, de tweede omtrekssleuf gedeeltelijk omringend is ingericht rond het buisachtige orgaan dat zich uitstrekt vanuit het derde uiteinde naar het vierde uiteinde in een tweede omtreksrichting (B; D; F), waarbij de eerste omtreksrichting en de tweede omtreksrichting tegengestelde richtingen zijn, waarbij het eerste uiteinde en het derde uiteinde zijn gelegen op een eerste radiale omtrek (400), waarbij de eerste en de tweede omtrekssleuf zijn ingericht teneinde flexibiliteit te verschaffen aan het huisorgaan langs een eerste as, en waarbij het eerste uiteinde (7) en de derde uiteinde (11) zodanig zijn ingericht dat een eerste brug (15; 72) is verschaft tussen de eerste en de tweede omtrekssleuf; met het kenmerk, dat het eerste flexibele gedeelte (2) een eerste longitudinale sleuf (17) omvat die longitudinaal is ingericht langs het buisachtige orgaan en een tweede longitudinale sleuf (19) die longitudinaal is ingericht langs het buisachtige orgaan, waarbij de eerste omtrekssleuf (3) communicerend is verbonden met de eerste longitudinale sleuf (17), waarbij de tweede omtrekssleuf (5) communicerend is verbonden met de tweede longitudinale sleuf (19), waarbij de eerste longitudinale sleuf (17) en de tweede longitudinale sleuf (19) zodanig zijn ingericht dat zij longitudinale zijden van de eerste brug (15; 72) definiëren.A tubular member (1; 31; 41; 51; 61; 71; 81) having a first flexible portion (2), the first flexible portion (2) comprising: a first peripheral slot (3; 43) and a second peripheral slot (5; 45), wherein the first peripheral slot (3; 43) is arranged opposite the second peripheral slot (5; 45), the first peripheral slot (3; 43) having a first end (7) and a second end (9; 39) 49), the first circumferential slot (3; 43) is arranged partially circumferentially around the tubular member extending from the first end to the second end in a first circumferential direction (A; C; E), the second circumferential slot being a third end (11) and a fourth end (13; 313; 413), the second circumferential slot is arranged partially surrounding the tubular member extending from the third end to the fourth end in a second circumferential direction (B; D; F) wherein the first circumferential direction and the second circumferential direction are opposite directions n, wherein the first end and the third end are located on a first radial circumference (400), the first and the second circumferential slots being arranged to provide flexibility to the housing member along a first axis, and wherein the first end (7 ) and the third end (11) are arranged such that a first bridge (15; 72) is provided between the first and second peripheral slots; characterized in that the first flexible portion (2) comprises a first longitudinal slot (17) arranged longitudinally along the tubular member and a second longitudinal slot (19) arranged longitudinally along the tubular member, the first circumferential slot ( 3) is communicatively connected to the first longitudinal slot (17), the second circumferential slot (5) being communicatively connected to the second longitudinal slot (19), the first longitudinal slot (17) and the second longitudinal slot (19) being arranged to define longitudinal sides of the first bridge (15; 72). 2. Buisachtig orgaan volgens conclusie 1, waarbij het tweede uiteinde (39) en het vierde uiteinde (313) zijn gelegen op de eerste radiale omtrek (400); waarbij het tweede uiteinde (39) en het vierde uiteinde (313) zodanig zijn ingericht dat een tweede brug (315) is verschaft tussen de eerste en de tweede omtrekssleuf, waarbij het buisachtige orgaan (31; 71) omvat: een derde longitudinale sleuf (317) die longitudinaal is ingericht langs het buisachtige orgaan en een vierde longitudinale sleuf (319) die longitudinaal is ingericht langs het buisachtige orgaan, waarbij de eerste omtrekssleuf (3) communicerend is verbonden met de derde longitudinale sleuf (317), waarbij de tweede omtrekssleuf (5) communicerend is verbonden met de vierde longitudinale sleuf (319), en de zesde longitudinale rand (323) en de derde longitudinale sleuf (317) en de vierde longitudinale sleuf (319) zodanig zijn ingericht dat zij longitudinale zijden van de tweede brug (315) definiëren.The tubular member of claim 1, wherein the second end (39) and the fourth end (313) are located on the first radial circumference (400); wherein the second end (39) and the fourth end (313) are arranged such that a second bridge (315) is provided between the first and the second circumferential slot, the tubular member (31; 71) comprising: a third longitudinal slot ( 317) arranged longitudinally along the tubular member and a fourth longitudinal slot (319) arranged longitudinally along the tubular member, the first peripheral slot (3) being communicatively connected to the third longitudinal slot (317), the second peripheral slot (5) is communicatively connected to the fourth longitudinal slot (319), and the sixth longitudinal edge (323) and the third longitudinal slot (317) and the fourth longitudinal slot (319) are arranged so that they are longitudinal sides of the second bridge (315). 3. Buisachtig orgaan volgens conclusie 1, waarbij de eerste omtrekssleuf (43) zodanig is georiënteerd dat deze een eerste hoek (406) met de eerste radiale omtrek (400) vormt.The tubular member of claim 1, wherein the first peripheral slot (43) is oriented such that it forms a first corner (406) with the first radial periphery (400). 4. Buisachtig orgaan volgens conclusie 3, waarbij de eerste hoek (406) gelegen is tussen -10° en +10° graden, liever nog tussen -8° en +8° graden.The tubular member of claim 3, wherein the first angle (406) is between -10 ° and + 10 ° degrees, more preferably between -8 ° and + 8 ° degrees. 5. Buisachtig orgaan volgens conclusies 1, 3 of 4 waarbij de tweede omtrekssleuf (45) zodanig is georiënteerd dat deze een tweede hoek (408) vormt met de eerste radiale omtrek (400).The tubular member of claims 1, 3 or 4 wherein the second circumferential slot (45) is oriented such that it forms a second angle (408) with the first radial circumference (400). 6. Buisachtig orgaan volgens conclusie 5, waarbij de tweede hoek (408) gelegen is tussen -10° en +10° graden, liever nog tussen -8° en +8° graden.The tubular member of claim 5, wherein the second angle (408) is between -10 ° and + 10 ° degrees, more preferably between -8 ° and + 8 ° degrees. 7. Buisachtig orgaan volgens willekeurig welke van conclusies 1 en 3-6, waarbij het eerste flexibele gedeelte (2) omvat: een derde omtrekssleuf (543) en een vierde omtrekssleuf (545), waarbij de derde omtrekssleuf (543) is ingericht tegenover de vierde omtrekssleuf (545), waarbij de derde omtrekssleuf (543) een vijfde uiteinde (57) en een zesde uiteinde omvat, de derde omtrekssleuf (543) gedeeltelijk omringend is ingericht rond het buisachtige orgaan dat zich uitstrekt vanuit het vijfde uiteinde (57) naar het zesde uiteinde in een derde omtreksrichting (H), waarbij de vierde omtrekssleuf (545) een zevende uiteinde (511) en een achtste uiteinde (513) omvat, de vierde omtrekssleuf (545) gedeeltelijk omringend is ingericht rond het buisachtige orgaan dat zich uitstrekt vanuit het zevende uiteinde (511) naar het achtste uiteinde (513) in een vierde omtreksrichting (G), waarbij de derde omtreksrichting (H) en de vierde omtreksrichting (G) tegengestelde richtingen zijn, waarbij het vijfde uiteinde (57) en het zevende uiteinde (511) bij voorkeur zijn gelegen op de eerste radiale omtrek (400), waarbij het vijfde uiteinde (57) en het zevende uiteinde (511) zodanig zijn ingericht dat een tweede brug (511) is verschaft tussen de derde en de vierde omtrekssleuf; waarbij het eerste flexibele gedeelte een derde longitudinale sleuf (517) omvat die longitudinaal is ingericht langs het buisachtige orgaan (51; 61; 81) en een vierde longitudinale sleuf (519) die longitudinaal is ingericht langs het buisachtige orgaan (51; 61; 81) waarbij de derde omtrekssleuf (543) communicerend is verbonden met de derde longitudinale sleuf (517), waarbij de vierde omtrekssleuf (545) communicerend is verbonden met de vierde longitudinale sleuf (519), en waarbij de derde longitudinale sleuf (517) en de vierde longitudinale sleuf (519) zodanig zijn ingericht dat zij longitudinale zijden van de tweede brug (515) definiëren.The tubular member of any one of claims 1 and 3-6, wherein the first flexible portion (2) comprises: a third peripheral slot (543) and a fourth peripheral slot (545), the third peripheral slot (543) being arranged opposite the fourth circumferential slot (545), wherein the third circumferential slot (543) comprises a fifth end (57) and a sixth end, the third circumferential slot (543) being arranged partially surrounding the tubular member extending from the fifth end (57) to the sixth end in a third circumferential direction (H), wherein the fourth circumferential slot (545) comprises a seventh end (511) and an eighth end (513), the fourth circumferential slot (545) being arranged partially surrounding the tubular member extending from the seventh end (511) to the eighth end (513) in a fourth circumferential direction (G), the third circumferential direction (H) and the fourth circumferential direction (G) being opposite directions, the fifth the end (57) and the seventh end (511) are preferably located on the first radial circumference (400), the fifth end (57) and the seventh end (511) being arranged such that a second bridge (511) is provided between the third and fourth circumferential slots; wherein the first flexible portion comprises a third longitudinal slot (517) arranged longitudinally along the tubular member (51; 61; 81) and a fourth longitudinal slot (519) arranged longitudinally along the tubular member (51; 61; 81) ) wherein the third peripheral slot (543) is communicatively connected to the third longitudinal slot (517), the fourth peripheral slot (545) is communicatively connected to the fourth longitudinal slot (519), and wherein the third longitudinal slot (517) and the fourth longitudinal slot (519) are arranged to define longitudinal sides of the second bridge (515). 8. Buisachtig orgaan volgens conclusie 2, waarbij de eerste omtrekssleuf (3), aan het eerste uiteinde (7), is verbonden met een uiteinde van de eerste longitudinale sleuf (17) via een eerste tussensleuf (22), en aan het tweede uiteinde (39) is verbonden met een uiteinde van de derde longitudinale sleuf (317) via een tweede tussensleuf (26), en de tweede omtrekssleuf (5), aan een derde uiteinde (11), is verbonden met een uiteinde van de tweede longitudinale sleuf (19) via een derde tussensleuf (24), en aan het vierde uiteinde (313) is verbonden met een uiteinde van de vierde longitudinale sleuf (319) via een vierde tussensleuf (28).The tubular member of claim 2, wherein the first peripheral slot (3), at the first end (7), is connected to one end of the first longitudinal slot (17) via a first intermediate slot (22), and at the second end (39) is connected to one end of the third longitudinal slot (317) via a second intermediate slot (26), and the second peripheral slot (5), at a third end (11), is connected to an end of the second longitudinal slot (31) (19) via a third intermediate slot (24), and at the fourth end (313) is connected to one end of the fourth longitudinal slot (319) via a fourth intermediate slot (28). 9. Buisachtig orgaan volgens willekeurig welke van de voorgaande conclusies, waarbij het buisachtige orgaan (1; 31; 41; 51; 61; 71) twee of meer flexibele gedeelten (2, 2') volgens willekeurig welke van de voorgaande conclusies omvat.A tubular member according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the tubular member (1; 31; 41; 51; 61; 71) comprises two or more flexible portions (2, 2 ') according to any of the preceding claims. 10. Buisachtig orgaan volgens conclusie 9, waarbij de twee of meer flexibele gedeelten (2, 2') zijn ingericht volgens een afwisselend 90 graden geroteerd patroon.The tubular member of claim 9, wherein the two or more flexible portions (2, 2 ') are arranged in an alternately 90 degree rotated pattern. 11. Buisachtig orgaan volgens willekeurig welke van de voorgaande conclusies, waarbij het buisachtige orgaan één heeft van een cirkelvormige, ovale en elliptische dwarsdoorsnede.A tubular member according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the tubular member has one of a circular, oval and elliptical cross section. 12. Buisachtig orgaan volgens willekeurig welke van de voorgaande conclusies, gevormd door spuitgieten onder gebruikmaking van één van het volgende stel materialen: een bio-verenigbaar polymecrmatcriaal, inclusief polyurethaan polyethyleen of polypropyleen roestvast staal, kobalt-chroom, een vormgeheugenlegering zoals Nitinol ®, kunststof, polymeer, composieten, of ander hardend materiaal.A tubular member according to any of the preceding claims, formed by injection molding using one of the following set of materials: a biocompatible polymer material, including polyurethane polyethylene or polypropylene stainless steel, cobalt chromium, a shape memory alloy such as Nitinol®, plastic , polymer, composites, or other curing material. 13. Buisachtig orgaan volgens willekeurig welke van de voorgaande conclusies, waarbij de omtrekssleuf en de longitudinale sleuf zijn verkregen door middel van een op verwijdering van materiaal gebaseerde techniek die ten minste één omvat van fotochemisch etsen, diep persen, verspaningstechnieken, en lasersnijtechniek.A tubular member according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the peripheral slot and the longitudinal slot are obtained by a material-based removal technique that includes at least one of photochemical etching, deep pressing, machining techniques, and laser cutting technology. 14. Buisachtig orgaan volgens willekeurig welke van de voorgaande conclusies, waarbij de omtrekssleuven dezelfde lengte hebben, die bij voorkeur tussen 25-50%, liever nog tussen 30-45%, en liefst tussen 35-40% van een buitenomtrek van het buisachtige orgaan is gelegen.A tubular member according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the circumferential slots have the same length, preferably between 25-50%, more preferably between 30-45%, and most preferably between 35-40% of an outer circumference of the tubular member is located. 15. Buisachtig orgaan volgens willekeurig welke van de voorgaande conclusies, waarbij de omtrekssleuven nabij hun uiteinden smaller zijn dan in een centraal gedeelte tussen de uiteinden.A tubular member according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the peripheral slots near their ends are narrower than in a central portion between the ends. 16. Buisachtig orgaan volgens willekeurig welke van de voorgaande conclusies, waarbij iedere brug één heeft van een S-vorm, een gespiegelde S-vorm, een Z-vorm, een gespiegelde Z-vorm, en de vorm van een eerste en een tweede U-vormige sub-brug, waarbij iedere sub-brug zijbenen heeft die georiënteerd zijn in de longitudinale richting en een beneden-basisbeen in de omtreksrichting en de eerste en de tweede U-vormige sub-brug tegengesteld georiënteerde openingen hebben en waarbij één zijbeen van de eerste sub-brug is verbonden met één zijbeen van de tweede sub-brug.A tubular member according to any of the preceding claims, wherein each bridge has one of an S shape, a mirrored S shape, a Z shape, a mirrored Z shape, and the shape of a first and a second U -shaped sub-bridge, wherein each sub-bridge has side legs oriented in the longitudinal direction and a lower base leg in the circumferential direction and the first and the second U-shaped sub-bridge have oppositely oriented openings and one side leg of the first sub-bridge is connected to one side leg of the second sub-bridge. 17. Instrument voor endoscopische applicaties, omvattend een buisachtig orgaan volgens willekeurig welke van de voorgaande conclusies.An instrument for endoscopic applications, comprising a tubular member according to any of the preceding claims.
NL2017570A 2016-10-03 2016-10-03 Bendable tube with elastic hinge NL2017570B1 (en)

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NL2017570A NL2017570B1 (en) 2016-10-03 2016-10-03 Bendable tube with elastic hinge
PCT/NL2017/050645 WO2018067004A1 (en) 2016-10-03 2017-09-26 Bendable tube with improved elastic hinge
EP20163687.5A EP3733045B1 (en) 2016-10-03 2017-09-26 Bendable tube with improved elastic hinge
ES17787048T ES2798430T3 (en) 2016-10-03 2017-09-26 Collapsible tube with improved elastic hinge
KR1020197009539A KR102448203B1 (en) 2016-10-03 2017-09-26 Bendable tube with improved resilient hinge
CN201780067948.0A CN109922704B (en) 2016-10-03 2017-09-26 Bendable pipe with improved elastic hinge
EP17787048.2A EP3518729B1 (en) 2016-10-03 2017-09-26 Bendable tube with improved elastic hinge
CN202210369812.8A CN114916894A (en) 2016-10-03 2017-09-26 Bendable pipe with improved elastic hinge
EP24162817.1A EP4356949A2 (en) 2016-10-03 2017-09-26 Bendable tube with improved elastic hinge
US16/339,004 US11330964B2 (en) 2016-10-03 2017-09-26 Bendable tube with improved elastic hinge
KR1020227032396A KR102619839B1 (en) 2016-10-03 2017-09-26 Bendable tube with improved elastic hinge
JP2019539726A JP7073386B2 (en) 2016-10-03 2017-09-26 Bendable tube with improved elastic hinges
KR1020237044073A KR20240006072A (en) 2016-10-03 2017-09-26 Bendable tube with improved elastic hinge
US17/726,549 US20220240757A1 (en) 2016-10-03 2022-04-22 Bendable tube with improved elastic hinge
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