US20210100445A1 - Imaging element cleaning apparatus with structure-mandated cleaning member motion control - Google Patents
Imaging element cleaning apparatus with structure-mandated cleaning member motion control Download PDFInfo
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- US20210100445A1 US20210100445A1 US17/068,563 US202017068563A US2021100445A1 US 20210100445 A1 US20210100445 A1 US 20210100445A1 US 202017068563 A US202017068563 A US 202017068563A US 2021100445 A1 US2021100445 A1 US 2021100445A1
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- United States
- Prior art keywords
- cleaning member
- endoscope
- coupling element
- chassis
- control body
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- 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
- A61B1/12—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 with cooling or rinsing arrangements
- A61B1/126—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 with cooling or rinsing arrangements provided with means for cleaning in-use
-
- 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
- A61B1/00066—Proximal part of endoscope body, e.g. handles
-
- 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
- A61B1/0008—Insertion part of the endoscope body characterised by distal tip features
- A61B1/00087—Tools
-
- 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
- A61B1/00131—Accessories for endoscopes
- A61B1/00135—Oversleeves mounted on the endoscope prior to insertion
-
- 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
- A61B1/313—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 for introducing through surgical openings, e.g. laparoscopes
- A61B1/3132—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 for introducing through surgical openings, e.g. laparoscopes for laparoscopy
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B90/00—Instruments, implements or accessories specially adapted for surgery or diagnosis and not covered by any of the groups A61B1/00 - A61B50/00, e.g. for luxation treatment or for protecting wound edges
- A61B90/70—Cleaning devices specially adapted for surgical instruments
- A61B2090/701—Cleaning devices specially adapted for surgical instruments for flexible tubular instruments, e.g. endoscopes
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B90/00—Instruments, implements or accessories specially adapted for surgery or diagnosis and not covered by any of the groups A61B1/00 - A61B50/00, e.g. for luxation treatment or for protecting wound edges
- A61B90/70—Cleaning devices specially adapted for surgical instruments
-
- 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
- A61M2209/00—Ancillary equipment
- A61M2209/10—Equipment for cleaning
Definitions
- Surgical procedures utilizing in vivo visualization of target surgical sites are well known as a form of a concealed operation site. Examples of these surgeries include, but are not limited to, endoscopic surgery, laparoscopic surgery, thoracoscopic surgery and the like. These surgical procedures all utilize a surgical instrument having an integrated visualization device for providing in vivo visualization of a target surgical site within a surgical space of the patient. Although it is common for the surgical instrument to be referred to in the context of the specific type of surgical procedure (e.g., endoscope for endoscopic surgery, laparoscope for laparoscopic surgery, and the like), these surgical instruments are generally referred to herein as an “endoscope”.
- an endoscope 1 used in these surgical procedures is characterized as having a user interface portion 5 and an extension portion 10 connected at its proximate end 15 to the user interface portion 5 .
- Scopes for endoscopic surgery generally have an extension portion that is substantially flexible, whereas scopes for other types of surgical procedures—e.g., for laparoscopic surgery, as shown in FIG. 1 —generally have an extension portion 10 that is substantially rigid.
- the extension portion 10 has an imaging element 20 such as a lens at its distal end portion 25 .
- the imaging element 20 can have an exposed surface that is typically generally flush with or that defines an end face of the extension portion 10 .
- the imaging element 20 is connected to an optical fiber or other image transmitting element that is internal to the endoscope.
- the optical fiber or other image transmitting element extends along the length of the extension portion 10 and terminates at an optics connector 30 on the user interface portion 5 .
- the optics connector 30 enables the optical fiber to be connected to a visualization device (e.g., visual display console) through which target surgical sites can be viewed by surgery personnel.
- the exposed surface of the imaging element thereof may become impaired due to one or more in vivo scenarios. Examples of these scenarios include the exposed surface of the imaging element becoming fogged with moisture within the surgical space, or the exposed surface of the imaging element may be smeared by blood or other bodily fluids or tissues (e.g. interstitial fluid, fat tissue or the like).
- blood or other bodily fluids or tissues e.g. interstitial fluid, fat tissue or the like.
- This method though effective, is time consuming and causes the surgeon to lose visual of the surgical site, which can be considered dangerous (e.g., risk of infection), as surgical instruments typically remain inside the body.
- the second of these cleaning methods is to wipe the exposed surface of the imaging element upon a nearby organ or tissue.
- the endoscope remains inside the body, takes less time to clean and does not potentially compromise the surgical site, this method is often not sufficiently effective either due to the “cleaning” surface not providing effective cleaning performance or simply further contaminating the exposed surface of the imaging element.
- the surgeon must undesirably spend time relocating the surgical site after cleaning the imaging element.
- an imaging element of a device that is intended to provide for cleaning of a surface of such devices when still within the concealed operation site (e.g., an endoscope in vivo) have one or more shortcomings (e.g., lack efficacy, interfere with the surgical procedure, require significant alteration to a surgeon's preferred surgical technique, etc.).
- an effective, efficient, simple and reliable approach for allowing an exposed surface of an imaging element of device e.g., an endoscope
- an endoscope e.g., an endoscope
- Embodiments of the present invention are directed to providing an effective and reliable approach for allowing an exposed surface of an imaging element (e.g., a lens) of a device (e.g., an endoscope) be cleaned while the distal end portion of the device is within a concealed operational site (e.g., in vivo).
- an imaging element e.g., a lens
- a device e.g., an endoscope
- one or more embodiments of the present invention provide an apparatus for use with an endoscope utilized in one or more types of surgical procedures (e.g., endoscopic surgery, laparoscopic surgery, thoracoscopic surgery and the like),
- the apparatus incorporates a cleaning member (e.g., a resilient polymeric wiper, a sponge, an absorbent pad or the like) used for cleaning the exposed surface of the imaging element of the device while the imaging element is within the concealed operation site.
- the apparatus is preferably adapted for having the device mounted thereon but can also be can be entirely or partially integral with one or more components of the device (e.g., a robotic arm configured for carrying, operating and manipulating an endoscope).
- Cleaning apparatuses in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention can be configured to be used with commercially available endoscopes. Dimensions of such endoscopes are either published or otherwise publicly determinable. As a result of knowing the dimensions of the target endoscopes intended for use with a cleaning apparatus in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present, cleaning apparatuses configured in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention can be engineered device-specific. Thus, engagement of a device such as an endoscope on an intended one of these device-specific cleaning apparatuses preferably results in the device having a seated configuration on the cleaning apparatus exhibiting a high level of dimensional precision between the device and the cleaning apparatus.
- both the device and the cleaning apparatus have respective manufacturing tolerances that can influence the efficiency, effectiveness and predictability by which the cleaning member cleans the imaging element.
- these manufacturing tolerances can influence a degree of force and/or deflection that the cleaning member exhibits as it comes into contact with the imaging element and thereby influence cleaning performance.
- cleaning apparatuses configured in accordance with embodiments of the present invention can include a mechanism for selectively adjusting the axial position of the cleaning member—an axial position adjuster.
- the axial position of the cleaning member is relative to the distal end portion of the device (e.g., the distal end portion of the extension portion of the endoscope). In most instances, the axial position will be relative to a face of an imaging element exposed at an end face of the extension portion.
- a user can alter the degree of force and/or deflection that the cleaning member exhibits as it comes into contact with the end portion of the endoscope and/or imaging element, thereby optimizing cleaning functionality.
- an in vivo endoscope cleaning apparatus comprises a chassis, a cleaning member and a cleaning member movement mechanism.
- the chassis is adapted for having an endoscope attached thereto.
- the cleaning member is provided at a distal end portion of the chassis.
- the cleaning member movement mechanism is provided at a proximate end portion of the chassis.
- the cleaning member movement mechanism includes a cleaning member movement assembly including a control body and a motion control device.
- the motion control device is attached to the control body and to the cleaning member.
- the motion control device includes a motion control structure that defines an axial position of the cleaning member as a function of angular position of the control body.
- an in vivo endoscope cleaning apparatus comprises a chassis, a coupling element, and a cleaning member movement mechanism.
- the chassis is adapted for having an endoscope attached thereto a cleaning member at a location of the chassis that is adjacent to an imaging element of the endoscope when the endoscope is mounted on the chassis.
- the coupling element has a distal end thereof attached to the cleaning member.
- the cleaning member movement mechanism includes a cam body, a control body and a cleaning member coupling element.
- the cam body is engaged with the chassis and includes a motion control surface having a profile that defines axial movement of the cleaning member coupling element with respect to the cam body as a function of angular position of the control body.
- the control body is attached to the cleaning member coupling element whereby rotation of the control body causes a corresponding rotational movement of the cleaning member coupling element.
- the cleaning member coupling element is translatably and rotatably engaged with the cam body and has a proximate end of the coupling element fixedly attached thereto.
- At least one of the control body and the cleaning member coupling element has a motion coupling element thereof engaged with the motion control surface whereby rotation of the control body results in translational and rotational movement of the cleaning member relative to the elongated member in accordance with the profile of the motion control surface.
- a cleaning member controller of an in vivo endoscope cleaning apparatus comprises a cleaning member coupling element, a control body and a cam body.
- the cleaning member coupling element is fixedly coupled to a cleaning member of the in vivo endoscope cleaning apparatus.
- the control body is attached to the cleaning member coupling element to provide for rotation of the control body to cause a corresponding rotational movement of the cleaning member coupling element.
- the cam body has a chassis engaging portion engaged with a chassis of the in vivo endoscope cleaning apparatus.
- the cam body includes a motion control surface having a profile that defines axial movement of the cleaning member coupling element with respect to the cam body as a function of angular position of the control body.
- the cleaning member coupling element is translatably and rotatably engaged with the cam body.
- the cleaning member coupling element has a motion coupling element thereof engaged with the motion control surface whereby rotation of the control body results in translational and rotational movement of the cleaning member relative to the elongated member in accordance with the profile of the motion control surface.
- a motion control surface of the camming device to define a circuitous path that defines such synchronous movement control.
- Such synchronous movement control causes the wiper to move from a stowed position to a use position back to the stowed position.
- the camming device that at least partially limits a direction in which the single control body can be moved.
- FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a prior art endoscope.
- FIG. 2 is a first perspective view showing an endoscope cleaning apparatus in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 3 is a second perspective view showing the endoscope of FIG. 2 .
- FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 4 - 4 in FIG. 2 .
- FIG. 5 is partial perspective view of the endoscope cleaning apparatus shown in FIG. 2 , where a control body of a first cleaning member control mechanism is in an extended configuration.
- FIG. 6 is partial perspective view of the endoscope cleaning apparatus shown in FIG. 2 , where a control body of a first cleaning member control mechanism is in a retracted configuration.
- FIG. 7 is partial perspective view of the endoscope cleaning apparatus shown in FIG. 2 , where a cleaning member thereof is in a stowed position.
- FIG. 8 is partial perspective view of the endoscope cleaning apparatus shown in FIG. 2 , where the cleaning member thereof is in a use position.
- FIG. 9 is partial perspective view of the endoscope cleaning apparatus shown in FIG. 2 , where the cleaning member thereof is moved to an imaging element contacting position thereof.
- FIG. 10 is partial perspective view of the endoscope cleaning apparatus shown in FIG. 2 , where the cleaning member thereof is moved beyond the imaging element contact position thereof.
- FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 11 - 11 in FIG. 2 .
- FIG. 12 is a partial cross-sectional view showing a structural arrangement for providing cleaning member offset functionality in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention.
- FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing an endoscope cleaning apparatus in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 14 - 14 in FIG. 13 .
- FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a cam body of the cleaning apparatus shown in FIG. 13 .
- FIG. 16 is a first plan view of the cam body of FIG. 15 .
- FIG. 17 is a second plan view of the cam body of FIG. 15 .
- FIG. 18 is a diagrammatic view showing a profile of cam segments of the cam body of FIG. 15 .
- FIGS. 2-10 illustrate various aspects of an in vivo endoscope cleaning apparatus configured in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention, which is designated as cleaning apparatus 100 .
- Cleaning apparatus 100 is preferably, but not necessarily, configured to be used with commercially available endoscopes, such as endoscope 1 of FIG. 1 .
- commercially available endoscopes include, but are not limited to, endoscopes manufactured under brand names of Karl Storz, Linvatec, Olympus, Richard Wolf, Stryker and Intuitive Surgical (i.e., DaVinci).
- cleaning apparatus 100 can be engineered as endoscope-specific for a given model(s) of one or more manufacturers based on the dimensional attributes of such commercially available endoscopes.
- An underlying consideration of the manner in which the endoscope cleaning apparatus 100 is engineered for an intended brand(s) or model(s) of endoscope is that there be a high level of dimensional precision between the endoscope and the cleaning apparatus.
- Such dimensional precision can be characterized to include both the inhibition of any unacceptable level of relative movement between the endoscope and the cleaning apparatus 100 and relative placement of key structural elements of the endoscope relative to those of the cleaning apparatus 100 .
- the cleaning apparatus 100 has an elongated body 102 that is adapted to have the extension portion 10 of the endoscope 1 inserted.
- a dimensionally predictable surface or feature of the endoscope 1 such as that of the user interface portion 5 (e.g., a handle and/or optic interface portion) abuts a mating dimensionally predictable surface or feature of the endoscope cleaning apparatus 100 .
- This mating surface or feature of the cleaning apparatus 100 such as a surface or feature of a user interface body 103 thereof—serves as a reference structure of the cleaning apparatus 100 .
- a distal end portion 25 of the endoscope protrude from within an opening 104 in the distal end portion 106 of the elongated body 102 by a known, predictable amount.
- the distal end portion 25 of the endoscope 1 carries the imaging element 20 (e.g., a lens).
- the imaging element 20 is exposed at and is generally flush with or defines an end face at the distal end portion 25 of the extension portion 10 of the endoscope 1 .
- the distal end portion 25 of the endoscope 1 is exposed at an opening 104 in a distal end 106 .
- the imaging element 20 is at a known and predictable position relative to the reference structure of the cleaning apparatus 100 .
- the components of the cleaning apparatus 100 can similarly be at known and predictable position relative to structures of the endoscope 1 , thereby providing for precise placement and configuration of components of the cleaning apparatus 100 to achieve a desired and predictable level of cleaning performance.
- the elongated body 102 and the user interface body 103 jointly define a chassis of the cleaning apparatus.
- the chassis serves as the platform on which the endoscope 1 can be mounted in a predictable seated position.
- the chassis can be that of a robot that provides robot-assisted surgery or can be adapted to operatively interface with a mating mounting portion of such a robot.
- the elongated body 102 and/or the user interface body 103 can be that of an arm or other structure of the robot or adapted to operatively interface with an instrument mounting portion of the arm of the robot.
- the elongated body 102 of the chassis can be a tube having a central passage 110 (shown in FIG. 3 ) with a round or generally round cross-sectional shape.
- the central passage 110 has a size and profile that is adapted to have the extension portion 10 of the endoscope 1 seated therein by inserting the extension portion into the central passage 110 and sliding the extension portion 10 along the length of the elongated body 102 until the endoscope 1 is in a seated position on the chassis.
- the user interface body 103 can include a retention tool 111 for securing the endoscope 1 is in the seated position on the chassis.
- the elongated member 102 can be a non-tubular structure such as a skeletal structure that engages the extension portion 10 of the endoscope at discrete spaced-apart locations thereof.
- the chassis can include a plurality of structural elements that provide for the known and predictable position of the endoscope 1 when mounted in a seated position on the chassis.
- One of these structural elements is the effective inside diameter (e.g., for ribbed or textured interior surface) or the actual inside diameter (e.g., a smooth interior wall) of the elongated body 102 in relation to an outside diameter of the extension portion 10 of the endoscope 1 and the elongated body 102 of the chassis.
- a seating surface 112 (shown in FIGS. 3 and 11 ) on the user interface body 103 .
- the seating surface can be a reference surface of the cleaning apparatus 100 that engages a mating reference surface 35 (shown in FIG. 1 ) of the endoscope 1 . Engagement of the seating surface 112 on the user interface body 103 with the mating reference surface 35 of the endoscope 1 serves to define a predictable seated orientation of the endoscope 1 on the chassis.
- the cleaning apparatus 100 includes a cleaning member 114 (shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 ) adjacent to the opening 104 in the distal end portion 106 of the elongated body 102 .
- the cleaning member 114 functions to clean contaminants and debris from a surface of the imaging element 20 when brought into contact with the imaging element 20 of the endoscope.
- the cleaning member 114 can be fixedly attached to a distal end portion of a coupling element 116 .
- the coupling element 116 extends through a channel 118 within the elongated body 102 .
- the channel 118 and the central passage 110 extend substantially parallel to each other within the elongated body 102 .
- the coupling element 116 is characterized by an elongated small diameter structure that offers at least a limited degree of bendability in combination with high torsional rigidity. In other embodiments, the coupling element 116 is characterized by an elongated small diameter structure that offers a given amount of torsional compliance. Based on these characterizing attributes, examples of coupling element 116 include, but are not limited to, solid metallic wire, spiraled metal wire, a polymeric filament(s), a composite filament(s) or the like.
- the user interface body 103 which can be configured as a handle for the cleaning apparatus 100 , carries a cleaning member controller 120 .
- the cleaning member controller 120 is coupled between the user interface body 103 and the cleaning member 114 for enabling selective movement of the cleaning member 114 .
- the cleaning member controller 120 includes a first cleaning member control mechanism 122 (i.e., a cleaning member movement mechanism) and a second cleaning member control mechanism 124 (i.e., a cleaning member adjusting mechanism).
- the first cleaning member control mechanism 122 includes a control body 125 (i.e., the first control body 125 ) that is rotatably and translatably mounted on (i.e., attached to) the user interface body 103 , as best shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 and the second cleaning member control mechanism 124 is rotatably mounted on the first cleaning member control mechanism 122 .
- the first and second cleaning member control mechanisms 122 , 124 provide for various cleaning member manipulation modes.
- the first cleaning member control mechanism provides at least a first cleaning member manipulation mode and a second cleaning member manipulation mode.
- the first cleaning member manipulation mode can include translational movement, as provided for by translation of the coupling element 116 to move the cleaning member 114 between a stowed position S (best shown in FIG. 7 ) and a use position U (best shown in FIG. 8 )—i.e., the first cleaning member manipulation mode.
- the stowed position S and the use position U are relative to a location of the imaging element 20 of the endoscope 1 when the endoscope 1 is mounted on the chassis.
- the stowed position S and the use position U are relative to a location of the imaging element 20 of the endoscope 1 when the endoscope 1 is mounted on the chassis.
- the use position U is a position in which the cleaning element 114 is beyond a terminal end of the endoscope 1 .
- the stowed position S is a position in which the cleaning element 114 is retracted from the use position U (e.g., by a maximum distance of travel therebetween).
- the second cleaning member manipulation mode can include rotational movement to move the cleaning member 114 into and away from contact with the imaging element 20 (as best shown in FIGS.
- the first cleaning member manipulation mode of the first cleaning member control mechanism 122 permits manipulation of the cleaning member 114 for enabling in vivo cleaning of the imaging element 20 in concert with in vivo surgical cavity visualization utilizing the imaging element 20 .
- the cleaning apparatus 114 and the endoscope 1 are jointly configured such that the imaging element 20 is at a known and predictable position relative to the reference structure of the chassis of the cleaning apparatus 100 .
- the cleaning member 114 is at a known and predictable position relative to the imaging element 20 .
- such known and predictable position of the cleaning member 114 relative to the imaging element 20 can be characterized as being an axial distance between a reference portion of the cleaning member 114 (e.g., edge portion of the cleaning member 114 ) and the exposed surface of the imaging element 20 .
- This axial distance is a design parameter of the cleaning apparatus that enables the cleaning member 114 to remove (i.e., clean) debris and contaminants from the exposed surface of the imaging element 20 in response to the cleaning member 114 being moved into contact with (e.g., wiped across) the exposed face of the imaging element 20 during implementation of the second cleaning member manipulation mode when the cleaning member 114 is in the use position U.
- Some situations can arise that influence the position of the cleaning member 114 relative to the imaging element 20 to a degree that can impair desired cleaning of the imaging element 20 .
- One such situation is where dimension tolerances of the cleaning apparatus 114 and and/or the endoscope 1 result in a dimensional stack that influence the axial distance between the reference portion of the cleaning member 114 and the exposed surface of the imaging element 20 to a degree that adversely effects cleaning performance.
- the extension portion 10 of the endoscope 1 can have a length that is at the lower end of its tolerance range and the mating reference surface 35 of the endoscope 1 can be at the upper end of its tolerance range.
- the axial distance between the reference portion of the cleaning member 114 and the exposed surface of the imaging element 20 can become greater than required for providing acceptable cleaning performance.
- Another such situation is where end user technique by which the user causes the cleaning member 114 to move across the imaging element 20 (e.g., the rate, cadence and/or rotation direction) can adversely influence cleaning performance.
- cleaning apparatuses configured in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention include at least one provision for mitigating situations that can influence the position of the cleaning member 114 relative to the imaging element 20 to a degree that impairs desired cleaning of the imaging element 20 .
- the second cleaning member control mechanism 124 provides a respective cleaning member manipulation mode—i.e., a third cleaning member manipulation mode—for selectively altering the axial distance between the reference portion of the cleaning member 114 and the exposed surface of the imaging element 20 .
- the second cleaning member control mechanism 124 includes a control body 126 that is rotatably (i.e., moveably) attached to the first cleaning member control mechanism 122 (i.e., the second control body).
- a respective change in the axial distance between the reference portion of the cleaning member 114 and the exposed surface of the imaging element 20 occurs (e.g., clock-wise rotation provides lesser distance and counter clock-wise rotation provides greater distance or vice-versa).
- clock-wise rotation provides lesser distance
- counter clock-wise rotation provides greater distance or vice-versa
- the first control body 125 includes a user interface portion 128 and a mounting portion 130 connected to the user interface portion 128 .
- the mounting portion 130 is translatably and rotatably attached to a mating portion of the user interface body 103 .
- the mounting portion 130 can include a cylindrical extension portion that is seated in a mating passage of the user interface body 103 to permit the first cleaning member control mechanism 122 to be axially translated relative to the user interface body 103 between an extended position E ( FIG. 5 ) and a retracted position R ( FIG.
- Dimensions of the mounting portion 130 and the mating passage of the user interface body 103 can jointly define the amount of translational movement that the cleaning member control mechanism 122 exhibits.
- the second control body 126 includes a user interface portion 132 and a mounting portion 134 connected to the user interface portion 132 .
- the mounting portion 134 is rotatably (i.e., movably) attached to a mating portion of the user interface portion 132 of the first cleaning member control mechanism 122 (e.g., the control body 125 ) for enabling rotation of the second control body 126 relative to the first control body 125 while inhibiting unrestricted axial translation therebetween (i.e., a rotation-enabling, translation-inhibiting interface).
- a coupling element engaging structure 136 of the second cleaning member control mechanism 124 is disposed on the first control body 125 so as to permit axial translation of the coupling element engaging structure 136 relative to the first cleaning member control mechanism 122 and to inhibit unrestricted rotational movement therebetween (i.e., a rotation-inhibiting, translation-enabling interface).
- the coupling element engaging structure 136 can have an oblong lateral shape (e.g., rectangular) and be located within a mating elongated cavity of the first control body 125 that has an oblong lateral shape, thereby enabling relative axial translation of the coupling element engaging structure 136 and inhibit unrestricted relative rotational movement thereof.
- An extension portion 138 of the coupling element engaging structure 136 (e.g., a first structural element of an interlocked interface structure) is threadedly engaged within a mating central passage 140 of the second control body 126 (e.g., a second structural element of an interlocked interface structure).
- Such threaded engagement is an example of interlocked engagement, whereby axial movement is a function of rotational movement.
- the mounting portion 130 of the first cleaning member control mechanism 122 has a coupling element passage 142 extending longitudinally therethrough and the coupling element engaging structure 136 has a coupling element passage 144 extending at least partially longitudinally therethrough.
- the mounting portion 130 of the first cleaning member control mechanism 122 and the coupling element engaging structure 136 are jointly configured such that the coupling element passages 142 , 144 are longitudinally aligned.
- a proximate end portion of the coupling element 116 extends through the coupling element passage 142 of the first cleaning member control mechanism 122 into the coupling element passage 144 of the coupling element engaging structure 136 .
- the coupling element engaging structure 136 includes a securement structure 146 (e.g., a threaded setscrew) for securing the coupling element 116 in a fixed placement relative to the coupling element engaging structure 136 .
- a user can use the cleaning member adjustment capability provided by the second cleaning member control mechanism 124 in any number of ways. For example, prior to a surgical procedure, a user can set-up an initial degree of contact between the cleaning element 114 and the imaging using such cleaning member adjustment capability. After mounting an endoscope on a chassis of the cleaning apparatus, the user can adjust the axial distance between the cleaning member 114 and the imaging element 20 such that the is no contact between the cleaning member 114 as the cleaning member 114 passes across the exposed surface of the imaging element 20 . Using the cleaning member adjustment capability provided by the second cleaning member control mechanism 124 , the user can then bring the cleaning element 114 into first contact with the imaging element 20 and then apply a given degree of “preload” to the cleaning member through use of the cleaning member adjustment capability. The cleaning member adjustment capability can also be utilized during the surgical procedure to further adjust the cleaning member axial distance (i.e., a greater or lesser contact loading on the cleaning member 114 ) to influence cleaning performance.
- FIG. 12 illustrates an implementation of such cleaning member offset functionality provided for by the cleaning apparatus of FIGS. 2-11 .
- Such cleaning member offset functionality serves to enable the position of the cleaning member 114 be precisely offset from its use position when the first control body 125 is in the retraced position R (See FIGS. 2, 3 and 6 ) at the limit of its retraction travel (i.e., fully retracted).
- a circumferential groove 148 can be provided in the mounting portion 130 of the first cleaning member control mechanism 122 corresponding to a desired offset location.
- the user interface body 103 includes a displacement controlling structure 150 that tactically and, optionally, audibly indicates when the first control body 125 has been translated from the retracted position R to the location defined by the location of the circumferential groove 148 .
- a lateral distance between the groove 148 and the displacement controlling structure defines the offset distance of the cleaning member 114 .
- the displacement controlling structure 150 includes a contact member having a surface-engaging portion that is forcibly-biased into contact with the exterior surface of the mounting portion 130 of the first cleaning member control mechanism 122 .
- the surface-engaging portion is sized and/or shaped to engage the circumferential groove 148 .
- cleaning apparatus 200 various aspects of an in vivo endoscope cleaning apparatus configured in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention, which is designated as cleaning apparatus 200 , are discussed.
- the cleaning apparatus 200 can be generally of the same configuration as the cleaning apparatus 100 discussed above in reference to FIGS. 2-12 , interfaces with commercially available endoscopes and is intended for use in the same manner described above for cleaning apparatus 100 .
- the cleaning apparatus 200 includes a cleaning member controller construction that is different in function and structure than that of cleaning apparatus 100 .
- Similar elements in the first and second embodiments are designated by similar reference numbers and/or names (e.g., user interface body 103 and user interface body 203 ).
- a user interface body 203 of the cleaning apparatus 200 carries a cleaning member controller 220 .
- the following description will describe the operation of the cleaning member controller 220 , which provides a cleaning member movement arrangement that is structure-mandated.
- the cleaning member controller 120 of the cleaning apparatus 100 discussed above in reference to FIGS. 2-12 utilizes a cleaning member movement arrangement that is user-mandated.
- the cleaning member controller 220 is coupled between the user interface body 203 and a cleaning member of the cleaning apparatus 200 for enabling selective movement of the cleaning member. (i.e., functionally and/or structurally the same as the cleaning member controller 120 of the cleaning apparatus 100 is coupled to the cleaning member 114 thereof.)
- the cleaning member controller 220 includes a first cleaning member control mechanism 222 and a second cleaning member control mechanism 224 .
- the first and second cleaning member control mechanisms 222 , 224 each include a respective control body 225 , 226 (i.e., the first control body 225 and second control body 226 ) that is rotatably attached to the user interface body 203 , as best shown in FIGS. 13 and 14 .
- the first cleaning member control mechanism 222 utilizes rotational movement thereof for synchronously moving the cleaning member between a stowed position S (See FIG. 7 ) and a use position U (See FIG. 8 ) and into and away from contact with the imaging element of the endoscope 1 (See FIGS. 7-9 ).
- the first cleaning member control mechanism 222 thus provides combines the previously-mentioned first and second cleaning member manipulation modes.
- the second cleaning member control mechanism 224 utilizes rotational movement thereof to provide a cleaning member manipulation mode (i.e., previously referred to as the third cleaning member manipulation mode) for adjusting an axial distance between the cleaning member and an imaging element of the endoscope when the cleaning member is in the use position.
- the first cleaning member manipulation mode of the first cleaning member control mechanism 222 permits manipulation of the cleaning member for enabling in vivo cleaning of the endoscope's imaging element in concert with in vivo surgical cavity visualization utilizing the imaging element.
- the first cleaning member control mechanism 222 includes the first control body 225 , a cam body 227 and a coupling element engaging structure 236 and the second cleaning member control mechanism 222 includes the second control body 226 .
- the first control body 225 includes a user interface portion 228 and a mounting portion 230 connected to the user interface portion 228 thereof.
- the second control body 226 includes a user interface portion 232 and a mounting portion 234 connected to the user interface portion 232 thereof.
- the first control body 225 is in a nested arrangement with the second control body 226 .
- the coupling element engaging structure 236 includes a securement structure 246 (e.g., a threaded setscrew) for securing the coupling element 216 in a fixed placement relative to the coupling element engaging structure 236 . Accordingly, as discussed below in greater detail, axial displacement of the coupling element engaging structure 236 results in a corresponding axial displacement of coupling element 216 and the cleaning member attached to the distal end portion thereof.
- a securement structure 246 e.g., a threaded setscrew
- the coupling element engaging structure 236 is translatably and rotatably seated within a central passage 229 of the cam body 227 .
- the mounting portion 234 of the second cleaning member control mechanism 224 e.g., a first structural element of an interlocked interface structure
- the cam body 227 e.g., a second structural element of an interlocked interface structure
- the cam body 227 is mounted on the user interface body 203 and is jointly configured with the user interface body 203 to permit axial translation of the cam body 227 relative to the user interface body 203 and inhibit unrestricted rotational movement therebetween (i.e., a translation-enabling, rotation-inhibiting interface).
- the mounting portion 234 of the second cleaning member control mechanism 224 is engaged with user interface housing 203 to permit rotational movement of the second control body 226 relative to the user interface housing 203 , while inhibiting unrestricted axial displacement therebetween (i.e., a rotation-enabling, translation-inhibiting interface).
- the mounting portion 230 of the first cleaning member control mechanism 222 is rotatably disposed within the central passage 229 of the cam body 227 , extending through a central passage 231 of the second control body 226 .
- the coupling element engaging structure 236 includes an extension portion 238 that is engaged within a central passage 240 of the first control body 225 .
- Mating surface of the extension portion 238 and the central passage 240 are jointly configured to permit relative axial translation between the extension portion 238 and the first control body 225 , while inhibiting relative rotation therebetween (i.e., translation-enabling, rotation-inhibiting interface).
- the extension portion 238 can have a non-circular cross-sectional profile (e.g., a square or star shaped cross-sectional profile) and the central passage 240 can correspondingly have a non-circular cross-sectional profile.
- a resilient member 243 e.g., spring
- the mounting portion 230 of the first cleaning member control mechanism 222 includes a travel limiting element 245 that is fixedly attached thereto and that engages one or more surface of the mounting portion 234 of the second cleaning member control mechanism 224 .
- the travel limiting element 245 can abut an end face of the mounting portion 234 of the second cleaning member control mechanism 224 , as shown, or can engaged a groove at an intermediate location of the mounting portion 234 .
- Such engagement of the travel limiting element 245 with one or more surfaces of the second cleaning member control mechanism 224 secures the first cleaning member control mechanism 222 in axial position relative to the second cleaning member control mechanism 224 while enabling rotation movement therebetween.
- Such securement of the first and second cleaning member control mechanism 222 , 224 and the threaded engagement of the mounting portion 234 of the second cleaning member control mechanism 224 with the cam body 227 provides for axial displacement of the cam body 227 relative to the first and second cleaning member control mechanisms 222 , 224 when second control body 226 is rotated (e.g., clock-wise rotation provides axial movement in one direction and counter clock-wise rotation provides axial movement in the opposite direction).
- the cam body 227 includes a camming structure 247 (i.e., a cam surface providing structure) that defines an axial position of the cleaning member as a function of angular position of the first control body 225 .
- the camming structure 247 can be a slot (i.e., including channels and recessed portions) and the slot can extend entirely through a wall defining the central passage 229 .
- the functionality of the camming structure 247 can be provided by a track or other structure that includes a profiled surface defining an axial position of the cleaning member as a function of angular position of a control portion of the cleaning member controller.
- a motion control member 249 (e.g., a pin) has a first end portion thereof fixedly attached to the coupling element engaging structure 236 and a second end portion thereof slidably engaged with the camming structure 247 (e.g., a pin within a slot).
- the camming structure 247 has a profile that at least partially defines a path of travel of the motion control member 249 . Accordingly, in use, rotation of the first control body 225 causes the motion control member 249 to travel along such path and, thus provide a corresponding axial movement of the coupling element engaging structure 236 to which the cleaning member is attached through the coupling element 214 .
- the cam body 226 , the coupling element engaging structure 236 and the motion control member 249 jointly define a motion control device.
- the cam body 227 includes a motion control structure that defines an axial position of the coupling element engaging structure 236 as a function of angular position of the first control body 225 .
- the motion control device provides for rotational and axial movement of the cleaning member and thus a cleaning member attached thereto via the coupling element 216 .
- the camming structure 247 of the cam body 227 is circumferential such that it extends around an entire circumference of the camming structure 247 .
- the camming structure 247 has a plurality of cam segments. A first one of these cam segments (the first cam segment 252 ) can be a dwell segment during which the cleaning member is rotated while in a stowed position relative to a distal end portion of an elongated body 202 ( FIG. 13 ) of the cleaning apparatus 200 .
- a second one of these cam segments can be a deployment segment during which the cleaning member is deployed from the stowed position to a use position (i.e., axially displace away from the distal end portion of the elongated body 202 ).
- a third one of these cam segments can be a contact segment during which the cleaning member is rotated into and away from contact with the imaging element of the endoscope while the cleaning member remains fully or partially axially displaced axially away from the distal end portion of the elongated body 202 by a distance defined at least partially by the second and third cam segment 254 , 256 .
- third cam segment 256 can have a slope for causing the cleaning member to exhibit a corresponding axial displacement.
- a fourth one of these cam segments (the fourth cam segment 258 ) can be a retraction segment during which the cleaning member returns to the stowed position.
- the resilient member provides a biasing force for urging the coupling element engaging structure 236 toward to fully retracted position and thus the cleaning member toward the stowed position.
- Movement of the motion control member 249 through these cam segments defines a current instance of a cleaning cycle.
- a next instance of cleaning cycle 260 is initiated upon rotation of the first control body 225 .
- the retraction segment 258 also can serve as an anti-rotation tool by, for example, the retraction segment 258 and the dwell segment 252 having a steep vertical profile (e.g., 90-degree angle therebetween) that prevents the motion control member 249 moving in an unintended direction of rotation.
- the second cleaning member control mechanism 224 can be omitted. Omission of the second cleaning member control mechanism 224 provides for the first control body 225 to be rotatably mounted on the chassis and enables the first control body 225 to be attached to the coupling element engaging structure 236 in a manner that inhibits both rotational movement and axial movement of the first control body 225 with respect to the coupling element engaging structure 236 .
- Such an embodiment provides the aforementioned combined first and second control member manipulation modes while omitting the aforementioned third control member manipulation modes
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Abstract
Embodiments of the present invention are directed to providing an effective and reliable approach for cleaning an exposed surface of an imaging element (e.g., a lens) of apparatuses including but not limited to medical imaging instruments such as endoscopes and laparoscopes and the like. In the case of medical imaging instruments, cleaning apparatuses configured in accordance with embodiments the present invention can be cleaned while the distal end portion of the endoscope is in vivo. Such apparatuses have a cleaning member incorporated therein (e.g., a resilient polymeric wiper, a sponge, an absorbent pad or the like) that is used for cleaning the exposed surface of the imaging element. The apparatus is preferably adapted for being mounted on the imaging apparatus but can also be entirely or partially integral with one or more components of the imaging apparatus or system of which it is a component.
Description
- This patent application claims priority as a continuation from co-pending U.S. Non-Provisional Patent Application having Ser. No. 16/593,204, filed 4 Oct. 2019, entitled “IMAGING ELEMENT CLEANING APPARATUS WITH STRUCTURE-MANDATED CLEANING MEMBER MOTION CONTROL”, which has a common applicant herewith and being incorporated herein in its entirety by reference.
- Surgical procedures utilizing in vivo visualization of target surgical sites are well known as a form of a concealed operation site. Examples of these surgeries include, but are not limited to, endoscopic surgery, laparoscopic surgery, thoracoscopic surgery and the like. These surgical procedures all utilize a surgical instrument having an integrated visualization device for providing in vivo visualization of a target surgical site within a surgical space of the patient. Although it is common for the surgical instrument to be referred to in the context of the specific type of surgical procedure (e.g., endoscope for endoscopic surgery, laparoscope for laparoscopic surgery, and the like), these surgical instruments are generally referred to herein as an “endoscope”.
- As shown in
FIG. 1 , anendoscope 1 used in these surgical procedures is characterized as having auser interface portion 5 and anextension portion 10 connected at itsproximate end 15 to theuser interface portion 5. Scopes for endoscopic surgery generally have an extension portion that is substantially flexible, whereas scopes for other types of surgical procedures—e.g., for laparoscopic surgery, as shown inFIG. 1 —generally have anextension portion 10 that is substantially rigid. Theextension portion 10 has animaging element 20 such as a lens at itsdistal end portion 25. Theimaging element 20 can have an exposed surface that is typically generally flush with or that defines an end face of theextension portion 10. Theimaging element 20 is connected to an optical fiber or other image transmitting element that is internal to the endoscope. The optical fiber or other image transmitting element extends along the length of theextension portion 10 and terminates at anoptics connector 30 on theuser interface portion 5. Theoptics connector 30 enables the optical fiber to be connected to a visualization device (e.g., visual display console) through which target surgical sites can be viewed by surgery personnel. - During a surgical procedure using an endoscope, the exposed surface of the imaging element thereof may become impaired due to one or more in vivo scenarios. Examples of these scenarios include the exposed surface of the imaging element becoming fogged with moisture within the surgical space, or the exposed surface of the imaging element may be smeared by blood or other bodily fluids or tissues (e.g. interstitial fluid, fat tissue or the like). Currently, there are two primary different endoscope cleaning methods that are commonly utilized. The first of these cleaning methods is to remove the endoscope from the body, wipe the imaging element clean, and reinsert the endoscope into the body. This method, though effective, is time consuming and causes the surgeon to lose visual of the surgical site, which can be considered dangerous (e.g., risk of infection), as surgical instruments typically remain inside the body. The second of these cleaning methods is to wipe the exposed surface of the imaging element upon a nearby organ or tissue. Although the endoscope remains inside the body, takes less time to clean and does not potentially compromise the surgical site, this method is often not sufficiently effective either due to the “cleaning” surface not providing effective cleaning performance or simply further contaminating the exposed surface of the imaging element. Also, when using either of these cleaning methods, the surgeon must undesirably spend time relocating the surgical site after cleaning the imaging element.
- At a minimum, current approaches for cleaning the exposed surface of the imaging element can be a hindrance and an annoyance for surgeons and may offer poor cleaning performance. Additionally, the action of cleaning the exposed surface of the imaging element increases the length of time a surgical procedure takes, thereby decreasing the amount of operating room (OR) time available to the hospital. It is also costly for hospitals, patients, and insurance companies due to wasted time, and possibly surgical complications and post-surgical infection rates. Additionally, as patients undergo longer procedures, their time spent under anesthesia increases. Increased time under anesthesia has been shown to correlate to a rise in surgical complication rates and post-surgical infection rates. Thus, the added time associated with current commonly used approaches for cleaning the exposed surface of the imaging element is not only a hindrance, but also potentially medically and financially costly.
- Thus, to maintain required visualization of target surgical sites, it is desirable to clean an exposed surface of an imaging element of a device while the distal end portion of the device remains in a concealed operation site (e.g., an endoscope in vivo). Known methods and devices that are intended to provide for cleaning of a surface of such devices when still within the concealed operation site (e.g., an endoscope in vivo) have one or more shortcomings (e.g., lack efficacy, interfere with the surgical procedure, require significant alteration to a surgeon's preferred surgical technique, etc.). Therefore, an effective, efficient, simple and reliable approach for allowing an exposed surface of an imaging element of device (e.g., an endoscope) to be cleaned while the distal end portion of apparatus is still within the concealed operation site (e.g., in vivo) would be advantageous, desirable and useful.
- Embodiments of the present invention are directed to providing an effective and reliable approach for allowing an exposed surface of an imaging element (e.g., a lens) of a device (e.g., an endoscope) be cleaned while the distal end portion of the device is within a concealed operational site (e.g., in vivo). More specifically, one or more embodiments of the present invention provide an apparatus for use with an endoscope utilized in one or more types of surgical procedures (e.g., endoscopic surgery, laparoscopic surgery, thoracoscopic surgery and the like), The apparatus incorporates a cleaning member (e.g., a resilient polymeric wiper, a sponge, an absorbent pad or the like) used for cleaning the exposed surface of the imaging element of the device while the imaging element is within the concealed operation site. The apparatus is preferably adapted for having the device mounted thereon but can also be can be entirely or partially integral with one or more components of the device (e.g., a robotic arm configured for carrying, operating and manipulating an endoscope).
- Cleaning apparatuses in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention can be configured to be used with commercially available endoscopes. Dimensions of such endoscopes are either published or otherwise publicly determinable. As a result of knowing the dimensions of the target endoscopes intended for use with a cleaning apparatus in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present, cleaning apparatuses configured in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention can be engineered device-specific. Thus, engagement of a device such as an endoscope on an intended one of these device-specific cleaning apparatuses preferably results in the device having a seated configuration on the cleaning apparatus exhibiting a high level of dimensional precision between the device and the cleaning apparatus.
- Although such high level of dimensional precision is exhibited, both the device and the cleaning apparatus have respective manufacturing tolerances that can influence the efficiency, effectiveness and predictability by which the cleaning member cleans the imaging element. For example, in view of cleaning apparatuses configured in accordance with embodiments of the present invention relying upon contact with portions of the device comprising the imaging element (e.g., direct surface contact between the imaging element and the cleaning member), these manufacturing tolerances can influence a degree of force and/or deflection that the cleaning member exhibits as it comes into contact with the imaging element and thereby influence cleaning performance. Similarly, in some situations (e.g., rate of speed by which the cleaning member is brought into contact with the imaging element, direction of motion of the cleaning member and the like), other consideration can also influence the degree of force and/or deflection that the cleaning member exhibits as it comes into contact with the imaging element.
- Advantageously, cleaning apparatuses configured in accordance with embodiments of the present invention can include a mechanism for selectively adjusting the axial position of the cleaning member—an axial position adjuster. The axial position of the cleaning member is relative to the distal end portion of the device (e.g., the distal end portion of the extension portion of the endoscope). In most instances, the axial position will be relative to a face of an imaging element exposed at an end face of the extension portion. Through such adjustment of the axial position of the cleaning member, a user can alter the degree of force and/or deflection that the cleaning member exhibits as it comes into contact with the end portion of the endoscope and/or imaging element, thereby optimizing cleaning functionality.
- In one or more embodiments of the present invention, an in vivo endoscope cleaning apparatus comprises a chassis, a cleaning member and a cleaning member movement mechanism. The chassis is adapted for having an endoscope attached thereto. The cleaning member is provided at a distal end portion of the chassis. The cleaning member movement mechanism is provided at a proximate end portion of the chassis. The cleaning member movement mechanism includes a cleaning member movement assembly including a control body and a motion control device. The motion control device is attached to the control body and to the cleaning member. The motion control device includes a motion control structure that defines an axial position of the cleaning member as a function of angular position of the control body.
- In one or more embodiments of the present invention, an in vivo endoscope cleaning apparatus comprises a chassis, a coupling element, and a cleaning member movement mechanism. The chassis is adapted for having an endoscope attached thereto a cleaning member at a location of the chassis that is adjacent to an imaging element of the endoscope when the endoscope is mounted on the chassis. The coupling element has a distal end thereof attached to the cleaning member. The cleaning member movement mechanism includes a cam body, a control body and a cleaning member coupling element. The cam body is engaged with the chassis and includes a motion control surface having a profile that defines axial movement of the cleaning member coupling element with respect to the cam body as a function of angular position of the control body. The control body is attached to the cleaning member coupling element whereby rotation of the control body causes a corresponding rotational movement of the cleaning member coupling element. The cleaning member coupling element is translatably and rotatably engaged with the cam body and has a proximate end of the coupling element fixedly attached thereto. At least one of the control body and the cleaning member coupling element has a motion coupling element thereof engaged with the motion control surface whereby rotation of the control body results in translational and rotational movement of the cleaning member relative to the elongated member in accordance with the profile of the motion control surface.
- In one or more embodiments of the present invention, a cleaning member controller of an in vivo endoscope cleaning apparatus comprises a cleaning member coupling element, a control body and a cam body. The cleaning member coupling element is fixedly coupled to a cleaning member of the in vivo endoscope cleaning apparatus. The control body is attached to the cleaning member coupling element to provide for rotation of the control body to cause a corresponding rotational movement of the cleaning member coupling element. The cam body has a chassis engaging portion engaged with a chassis of the in vivo endoscope cleaning apparatus. The cam body includes a motion control surface having a profile that defines axial movement of the cleaning member coupling element with respect to the cam body as a function of angular position of the control body. The cleaning member coupling element is translatably and rotatably engaged with the cam body. The cleaning member coupling element has a motion coupling element thereof engaged with the motion control surface whereby rotation of the control body results in translational and rotational movement of the cleaning member relative to the elongated member in accordance with the profile of the motion control surface.
- It is an object of one or more embodiments of the present invention to provide a camming device that synchronously controls movement of the cleaning member.
- It is an object of one or more embodiments of the present invention for a motion control surface of the camming device to define a circuitous path that defines such synchronous movement control.
- It is an object of one or more embodiments of the present invention that such synchronous movement control causes the wiper to move from a stowed position to a use position back to the stowed position.
- It is an object of one or more embodiments of the present invention that such synchronous movement control can be implemented by manipulation of a single control body.
- It is an object of one or more embodiments of the present invention that the camming device that at least partially limits a direction in which the single control body can be moved.
- It is an object of one or more embodiments of the present invention to provide a plurality of control bodies where at least one of the control bodies is in a nested arrangement with respect to at least one of the one of the control bodies.
- It is an object of one or more embodiments of the present invention to provide a cleaning member that is at least one of a resilient wiper, a semi-rigid wiper, an absorbent pad and a sponge.
- It is an object of one or more embodiments of the present invention to provide a single control mechanism that provides for multiple modes of cleaning member movement.
- It is an object of one or more embodiments of the present invention to provide for selective adjustment of the axial position of the cleaning member.
- It is an object of one or more embodiments of the present invention for such axial distance adjustability to be provided by a control device that is integral with the single control mechanism that provides for multiple modes of cleaning member movement.
- These and other objects, embodiments, advantages and/or distinctions of the present invention will become readily apparent upon further review of the following specification, associated drawings and appended claims.
-
FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a prior art endoscope. -
FIG. 2 is a first perspective view showing an endoscope cleaning apparatus in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention. -
FIG. 3 is a second perspective view showing the endoscope ofFIG. 2 . -
FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 4-4 inFIG. 2 . -
FIG. 5 is partial perspective view of the endoscope cleaning apparatus shown inFIG. 2 , where a control body of a first cleaning member control mechanism is in an extended configuration. -
FIG. 6 is partial perspective view of the endoscope cleaning apparatus shown inFIG. 2 , where a control body of a first cleaning member control mechanism is in a retracted configuration. -
FIG. 7 is partial perspective view of the endoscope cleaning apparatus shown inFIG. 2 , where a cleaning member thereof is in a stowed position. -
FIG. 8 is partial perspective view of the endoscope cleaning apparatus shown inFIG. 2 , where the cleaning member thereof is in a use position. -
FIG. 9 is partial perspective view of the endoscope cleaning apparatus shown inFIG. 2 , where the cleaning member thereof is moved to an imaging element contacting position thereof. -
FIG. 10 is partial perspective view of the endoscope cleaning apparatus shown inFIG. 2 , where the cleaning member thereof is moved beyond the imaging element contact position thereof. -
FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 11-11 inFIG. 2 . -
FIG. 12 is a partial cross-sectional view showing a structural arrangement for providing cleaning member offset functionality in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention. -
FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing an endoscope cleaning apparatus in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention. -
FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 14-14 inFIG. 13 . -
FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a cam body of the cleaning apparatus shown inFIG. 13 . -
FIG. 16 is a first plan view of the cam body ofFIG. 15 . -
FIG. 17 is a second plan view of the cam body ofFIG. 15 . -
FIG. 18 is a diagrammatic view showing a profile of cam segments of the cam body ofFIG. 15 . -
FIGS. 2-10 illustrate various aspects of an in vivo endoscope cleaning apparatus configured in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention, which is designated as cleaningapparatus 100.Cleaning apparatus 100 is preferably, but not necessarily, configured to be used with commercially available endoscopes, such asendoscope 1 ofFIG. 1 . Examples of such commercially available endoscopes include, but are not limited to, endoscopes manufactured under brand names of Karl Storz, Linvatec, Olympus, Richard Wolf, Stryker and Intuitive Surgical (i.e., DaVinci). To this end, in preferred embodiments, cleaningapparatus 100 can be engineered as endoscope-specific for a given model(s) of one or more manufacturers based on the dimensional attributes of such commercially available endoscopes. An underlying consideration of the manner in which theendoscope cleaning apparatus 100 is engineered for an intended brand(s) or model(s) of endoscope is that there be a high level of dimensional precision between the endoscope and the cleaning apparatus. Such dimensional precision can be characterized to include both the inhibition of any unacceptable level of relative movement between the endoscope and thecleaning apparatus 100 and relative placement of key structural elements of the endoscope relative to those of thecleaning apparatus 100. - Still referring to
FIG. 2 , thecleaning apparatus 100 has anelongated body 102 that is adapted to have theextension portion 10 of theendoscope 1 inserted. In its fully seated placement, as shown, a dimensionally predictable surface or feature of theendoscope 1 such as that of the user interface portion 5(e.g., a handle and/or optic interface portion) abuts a mating dimensionally predictable surface or feature of theendoscope cleaning apparatus 100. This mating surface or feature of thecleaning apparatus 100—such as a surface or feature of auser interface body 103 thereof—serves as a reference structure of thecleaning apparatus 100. With theendoscope 1 in this fully seated position on thecleaning apparatus 100 with respect to the reference structure, adistal end portion 25 of the endoscope protrude from within anopening 104 in thedistal end portion 106 of theelongated body 102 by a known, predictable amount. Through such an interfacial arrangement and dimensional tolerances, a high level of dimensional precision between theendoscope 1 and thecleaning apparatus 100 can be achieved. As discussed below in greater detail, such dimensional precision is beneficial to the cleaning performance afforded by thecleaning apparatus 100. - As discussed above in reference to
FIG. 1 , thedistal end portion 25 of theendoscope 1 carries the imaging element 20 (e.g., a lens). Theimaging element 20 is exposed at and is generally flush with or defines an end face at thedistal end portion 25 of theextension portion 10 of theendoscope 1. Thedistal end portion 25 of theendoscope 1 is exposed at anopening 104 in adistal end 106. As a result of the seated placement of theendoscope 1 on thecleaning apparatus 100, theimaging element 20 is at a known and predictable position relative to the reference structure of thecleaning apparatus 100. Thus, for an endoscope engineered for use with a specific cleaning apparatus, the components of thecleaning apparatus 100 can similarly be at known and predictable position relative to structures of theendoscope 1, thereby providing for precise placement and configuration of components of thecleaning apparatus 100 to achieve a desired and predictable level of cleaning performance. - Referring now to
FIGS. 3-6 , theelongated body 102 and theuser interface body 103 jointly define a chassis of the cleaning apparatus. The chassis serves as the platform on which theendoscope 1 can be mounted in a predictable seated position. It is disclosed herein that the chassis can be that of a robot that provides robot-assisted surgery or can be adapted to operatively interface with a mating mounting portion of such a robot. For example, theelongated body 102 and/or theuser interface body 103 can be that of an arm or other structure of the robot or adapted to operatively interface with an instrument mounting portion of the arm of the robot. - The
elongated body 102 of the chassis can be a tube having a central passage 110 (shown inFIG. 3 ) with a round or generally round cross-sectional shape. Thecentral passage 110 has a size and profile that is adapted to have theextension portion 10 of theendoscope 1 seated therein by inserting the extension portion into thecentral passage 110 and sliding theextension portion 10 along the length of theelongated body 102 until theendoscope 1 is in a seated position on the chassis. Theuser interface body 103 can include aretention tool 111 for securing theendoscope 1 is in the seated position on the chassis. Alternatively, theelongated member 102 can be a non-tubular structure such as a skeletal structure that engages theextension portion 10 of the endoscope at discrete spaced-apart locations thereof. - The chassis can include a plurality of structural elements that provide for the known and predictable position of the
endoscope 1 when mounted in a seated position on the chassis. One of these structural elements is the effective inside diameter (e.g., for ribbed or textured interior surface) or the actual inside diameter (e.g., a smooth interior wall) of theelongated body 102 in relation to an outside diameter of theextension portion 10 of theendoscope 1 and theelongated body 102 of the chassis. It is preferable to maintain a close fit between the outside wall ofelongated body 102 and the mating exterior wall of theextension portion 10 so as to provide for a fluid-resistant interface between theelongated body 102 and theextension portion 10 and to limit off-axis pitch between a longitudinal axis of theelongated body 102 and theextension portion 10. Another one of these structural elements is a seating surface 112 (shown inFIGS. 3 and 11 ) on theuser interface body 103. The seating surface can be a reference surface of thecleaning apparatus 100 that engages a mating reference surface 35 (shown inFIG. 1 ) of theendoscope 1. Engagement of theseating surface 112 on theuser interface body 103 with themating reference surface 35 of theendoscope 1 serves to define a predictable seated orientation of theendoscope 1 on the chassis. - The
cleaning apparatus 100 includes a cleaning member 114 (shown inFIGS. 2 and 3 ) adjacent to theopening 104 in thedistal end portion 106 of theelongated body 102. As discussed below in greater detail, the cleaningmember 114 functions to clean contaminants and debris from a surface of theimaging element 20 when brought into contact with theimaging element 20 of the endoscope. The cleaningmember 114 can be fixedly attached to a distal end portion of acoupling element 116. As best shown inFIG. 4 , thecoupling element 116 extends through achannel 118 within theelongated body 102. Preferably, thechannel 118 and thecentral passage 110 extend substantially parallel to each other within theelongated body 102. In some embodiments, thecoupling element 116 is characterized by an elongated small diameter structure that offers at least a limited degree of bendability in combination with high torsional rigidity. In other embodiments, thecoupling element 116 is characterized by an elongated small diameter structure that offers a given amount of torsional compliance. Based on these characterizing attributes, examples ofcoupling element 116 include, but are not limited to, solid metallic wire, spiraled metal wire, a polymeric filament(s), a composite filament(s) or the like. - The
user interface body 103, which can be configured as a handle for thecleaning apparatus 100, carries a cleaningmember controller 120. The cleaningmember controller 120 is coupled between theuser interface body 103 and the cleaningmember 114 for enabling selective movement of the cleaningmember 114. The cleaningmember controller 120 includes a first cleaning member control mechanism 122 (i.e., a cleaning member movement mechanism) and a second cleaning member control mechanism 124 (i.e., a cleaning member adjusting mechanism). The first cleaningmember control mechanism 122 includes a control body 125 (i.e., the first control body 125) that is rotatably and translatably mounted on (i.e., attached to) theuser interface body 103, as best shown inFIGS. 5 and 6 and the second cleaningmember control mechanism 124 is rotatably mounted on the first cleaningmember control mechanism 122. The first and second cleaningmember control mechanisms - Through such movement capability of the first cleaning
member control mechanism 122, the first cleaning member control mechanism provides at least a first cleaning member manipulation mode and a second cleaning member manipulation mode. The first cleaning member manipulation mode can include translational movement, as provided for by translation of thecoupling element 116 to move the cleaningmember 114 between a stowed position S (best shown inFIG. 7 ) and a use position U (best shown inFIG. 8 )—i.e., the first cleaning member manipulation mode. As can be seen, the stowed position S and the use position U are relative to a location of theimaging element 20 of theendoscope 1 when theendoscope 1 is mounted on the chassis. As can be seen, the stowed position S and the use position U are relative to a location of theimaging element 20 of theendoscope 1 when theendoscope 1 is mounted on the chassis. The use position U is a position in which thecleaning element 114 is beyond a terminal end of theendoscope 1. The stowed position S is a position in which thecleaning element 114 is retracted from the use position U (e.g., by a maximum distance of travel therebetween). The second cleaning member manipulation mode can include rotational movement to move the cleaningmember 114 into and away from contact with the imaging element 20 (as best shown inFIGS. 6 and 8-10 ) while the cleaningmember 114 is in the use position—i.e., the second cleaning member manipulation mode or, as discussed below, an offset use position adjacent thereto. In this manner, the first cleaning member manipulation mode of the first cleaningmember control mechanism 122 permits manipulation of the cleaningmember 114 for enabling in vivo cleaning of theimaging element 20 in concert with in vivo surgical cavity visualization utilizing theimaging element 20. - As discussed above, the
cleaning apparatus 114 and theendoscope 1 are jointly configured such that theimaging element 20 is at a known and predictable position relative to the reference structure of the chassis of thecleaning apparatus 100. Thus, due to dimensional properties of theendoscope 1 and thecleaning apparatus 100, the cleaningmember 114 is at a known and predictable position relative to theimaging element 20. In at least one aspect, such known and predictable position of the cleaningmember 114 relative to theimaging element 20 can be characterized as being an axial distance between a reference portion of the cleaning member 114 (e.g., edge portion of the cleaning member 114) and the exposed surface of theimaging element 20. This axial distance is a design parameter of the cleaning apparatus that enables the cleaningmember 114 to remove (i.e., clean) debris and contaminants from the exposed surface of theimaging element 20 in response to the cleaningmember 114 being moved into contact with (e.g., wiped across) the exposed face of theimaging element 20 during implementation of the second cleaning member manipulation mode when the cleaningmember 114 is in the use position U. - Some situations can arise that influence the position of the cleaning
member 114 relative to theimaging element 20 to a degree that can impair desired cleaning of theimaging element 20. One such situation is where dimension tolerances of thecleaning apparatus 114 and and/or theendoscope 1 result in a dimensional stack that influence the axial distance between the reference portion of the cleaningmember 114 and the exposed surface of theimaging element 20 to a degree that adversely effects cleaning performance. For example, theextension portion 10 of theendoscope 1 can have a length that is at the lower end of its tolerance range and themating reference surface 35 of theendoscope 1 can be at the upper end of its tolerance range. In this case, the axial distance between the reference portion of the cleaningmember 114 and the exposed surface of theimaging element 20 can become greater than required for providing acceptable cleaning performance. Another such situation is where end user technique by which the user causes the cleaningmember 114 to move across the imaging element 20 (e.g., the rate, cadence and/or rotation direction) can adversely influence cleaning performance. - Advantageously, cleaning apparatuses configured in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention include at least one provision for mitigating situations that can influence the position of the cleaning
member 114 relative to theimaging element 20 to a degree that impairs desired cleaning of theimaging element 20. To this end, the second cleaningmember control mechanism 124 provides a respective cleaning member manipulation mode—i.e., a third cleaning member manipulation mode—for selectively altering the axial distance between the reference portion of the cleaningmember 114 and the exposed surface of theimaging element 20. - As shown in
FIGS. 2, 3, 5 and 6 , the second cleaningmember control mechanism 124 includes acontrol body 126 that is rotatably (i.e., moveably) attached to the first cleaning member control mechanism 122 (i.e., the second control body). Through rotation of thesecond control body 126 in a given direction, a respective change in the axial distance between the reference portion of the cleaningmember 114 and the exposed surface of theimaging element 20 occurs (e.g., clock-wise rotation provides lesser distance and counter clock-wise rotation provides greater distance or vice-versa). In this manner, an end user is able to alter the axial distance between the cleaningmember 114 and the exposed surface of theimaging element 20 to affect cleaning member loading upon contact with theimaging element 20 and thus imaging element cleaning performance. - Referring now, to
FIG. 11 , aspects of a specific implementation of the first and second cleaningmember control mechanisms first control body 125 includes auser interface portion 128 and a mountingportion 130 connected to theuser interface portion 128. The mountingportion 130 is translatably and rotatably attached to a mating portion of theuser interface body 103. For example, the mountingportion 130 can include a cylindrical extension portion that is seated in a mating passage of theuser interface body 103 to permit the first cleaningmember control mechanism 122 to be axially translated relative to theuser interface body 103 between an extended position E (FIG. 5 ) and a retracted position R (FIG. 6 ) for correspondingly moving the cleaningmember 114 between the stowed position S and the use position U, and to be rotationally translated relative to theuser interface body 103 for correspondingly moving the cleaningmember 114 into and away from contact with theimaging element 20 of theendoscope 1. Dimensions of the mountingportion 130 and the mating passage of theuser interface body 103 can jointly define the amount of translational movement that the cleaningmember control mechanism 122 exhibits. - Still referring to
FIG. 11 , thesecond control body 126 includes auser interface portion 132 and a mountingportion 134 connected to theuser interface portion 132. The mountingportion 134 is rotatably (i.e., movably) attached to a mating portion of theuser interface portion 132 of the first cleaning member control mechanism 122 (e.g., the control body 125) for enabling rotation of thesecond control body 126 relative to thefirst control body 125 while inhibiting unrestricted axial translation therebetween (i.e., a rotation-enabling, translation-inhibiting interface). A couplingelement engaging structure 136 of the second cleaningmember control mechanism 124 is disposed on thefirst control body 125 so as to permit axial translation of the couplingelement engaging structure 136 relative to the first cleaningmember control mechanism 122 and to inhibit unrestricted rotational movement therebetween (i.e., a rotation-inhibiting, translation-enabling interface). For example, the couplingelement engaging structure 136 can have an oblong lateral shape (e.g., rectangular) and be located within a mating elongated cavity of thefirst control body 125 that has an oblong lateral shape, thereby enabling relative axial translation of the couplingelement engaging structure 136 and inhibit unrestricted relative rotational movement thereof. - An
extension portion 138 of the coupling element engaging structure 136 (e.g., a first structural element of an interlocked interface structure) is threadedly engaged within a matingcentral passage 140 of the second control body 126 (e.g., a second structural element of an interlocked interface structure). Such threaded engagement is an example of interlocked engagement, whereby axial movement is a function of rotational movement. The mountingportion 130 of the first cleaningmember control mechanism 122 has acoupling element passage 142 extending longitudinally therethrough and the couplingelement engaging structure 136 has acoupling element passage 144 extending at least partially longitudinally therethrough. The mountingportion 130 of the first cleaningmember control mechanism 122 and the couplingelement engaging structure 136 are jointly configured such that thecoupling element passages coupling element 116 extends through thecoupling element passage 142 of the first cleaningmember control mechanism 122 into thecoupling element passage 144 of the couplingelement engaging structure 136. The couplingelement engaging structure 136 includes a securement structure 146 (e.g., a threaded setscrew) for securing thecoupling element 116 in a fixed placement relative to the couplingelement engaging structure 136. - Through the treaded engagement between the
extension portion 138 of the couplingelement engaging structure 136 and thesecond control body 126, as discussed above, rotation of thesecond control body 126 relative to the first cleaningmember control mechanism 122 causes axial translation of the couplingelement engaging structure 136 relative to the first cleaningmember control mechanism 122 and, thus, provides a corresponding axial displacement of thecleaning element 114 thereby adjusting the axial distance between the reference portion of the cleaningmember 114 and the exposed surface of theimaging element 20 occurs (e.g., clock-wise rotation provides lesser distance and counter clock-wise rotation provides greater distance or vice-versa). - A user can use the cleaning member adjustment capability provided by the second cleaning
member control mechanism 124 in any number of ways. For example, prior to a surgical procedure, a user can set-up an initial degree of contact between the cleaningelement 114 and the imaging using such cleaning member adjustment capability. After mounting an endoscope on a chassis of the cleaning apparatus, the user can adjust the axial distance between the cleaningmember 114 and theimaging element 20 such that the is no contact between the cleaningmember 114 as the cleaningmember 114 passes across the exposed surface of theimaging element 20. Using the cleaning member adjustment capability provided by the second cleaningmember control mechanism 124, the user can then bring thecleaning element 114 into first contact with theimaging element 20 and then apply a given degree of “preload” to the cleaning member through use of the cleaning member adjustment capability. The cleaning member adjustment capability can also be utilized during the surgical procedure to further adjust the cleaning member axial distance (i.e., a greater or lesser contact loading on the cleaning member 114) to influence cleaning performance. - One or more embodiments of the present invention can provide a cleaning member offset functionality.
FIG. 12 illustrates an implementation of such cleaning member offset functionality provided for by the cleaning apparatus ofFIGS. 2-11 . Such cleaning member offset functionality serves to enable the position of the cleaningmember 114 be precisely offset from its use position when thefirst control body 125 is in the retraced position R (SeeFIGS. 2, 3 and 6 ) at the limit of its retraction travel (i.e., fully retracted). To this end, acircumferential groove 148 can be provided in the mountingportion 130 of the first cleaningmember control mechanism 122 corresponding to a desired offset location. Theuser interface body 103 includes adisplacement controlling structure 150 that tactically and, optionally, audibly indicates when thefirst control body 125 has been translated from the retracted position R to the location defined by the location of thecircumferential groove 148. A lateral distance between thegroove 148 and the displacement controlling structure defines the offset distance of the cleaningmember 114. In one or more embodiments, thedisplacement controlling structure 150 includes a contact member having a surface-engaging portion that is forcibly-biased into contact with the exterior surface of the mountingportion 130 of the first cleaningmember control mechanism 122. The surface-engaging portion is sized and/or shaped to engage thecircumferential groove 148. - Referring now to
FIGS. 13-18 , various aspects of an in vivo endoscope cleaning apparatus configured in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention, which is designated as cleaningapparatus 200, are discussed. With the exception of the following distinguishing aspects of thecleaning apparatus 200, thecleaning apparatus 200 can be generally of the same configuration as thecleaning apparatus 100 discussed above in reference toFIGS. 2-12 , interfaces with commercially available endoscopes and is intended for use in the same manner described above for cleaningapparatus 100. However, as will be seen, thecleaning apparatus 200 includes a cleaning member controller construction that is different in function and structure than that of cleaningapparatus 100. Similar elements in the first and second embodiments are designated by similar reference numbers and/or names (e.g.,user interface body 103 and user interface body 203). - A
user interface body 203 of thecleaning apparatus 200 carries a cleaningmember controller 220. The following description will describe the operation of the cleaningmember controller 220, which provides a cleaning member movement arrangement that is structure-mandated. In contrast, the cleaningmember controller 120 of thecleaning apparatus 100 discussed above in reference toFIGS. 2-12 utilizes a cleaning member movement arrangement that is user-mandated. - The cleaning
member controller 220 is coupled between theuser interface body 203 and a cleaning member of thecleaning apparatus 200 for enabling selective movement of the cleaning member. (i.e., functionally and/or structurally the same as the cleaningmember controller 120 of thecleaning apparatus 100 is coupled to the cleaningmember 114 thereof.) The cleaningmember controller 220 includes a first cleaningmember control mechanism 222 and a second cleaningmember control mechanism 224. The first and second cleaningmember control mechanisms respective control body 225, 226 (i.e., thefirst control body 225 and second control body 226) that is rotatably attached to theuser interface body 203, as best shown inFIGS. 13 and 14 . The first cleaningmember control mechanism 222 utilizes rotational movement thereof for synchronously moving the cleaning member between a stowed position S (SeeFIG. 7 ) and a use position U (SeeFIG. 8 ) and into and away from contact with the imaging element of the endoscope 1 (SeeFIGS. 7-9 ). The first cleaningmember control mechanism 222 thus provides combines the previously-mentioned first and second cleaning member manipulation modes. The second cleaningmember control mechanism 224 utilizes rotational movement thereof to provide a cleaning member manipulation mode (i.e., previously referred to as the third cleaning member manipulation mode) for adjusting an axial distance between the cleaning member and an imaging element of the endoscope when the cleaning member is in the use position. In this manner, the first cleaning member manipulation mode of the first cleaningmember control mechanism 222 permits manipulation of the cleaning member for enabling in vivo cleaning of the endoscope's imaging element in concert with in vivo surgical cavity visualization utilizing the imaging element. - Referring to
FIGS. 14 and 15 , the first cleaningmember control mechanism 222 includes thefirst control body 225, acam body 227 and a couplingelement engaging structure 236 and the second cleaningmember control mechanism 222 includes thesecond control body 226. Thefirst control body 225 includes auser interface portion 228 and a mountingportion 230 connected to theuser interface portion 228 thereof. Thesecond control body 226 includes auser interface portion 232 and a mountingportion 234 connected to theuser interface portion 232 thereof. Preferably, as shown, thefirst control body 225 is in a nested arrangement with thesecond control body 226. - A proximate end portion of the
coupling element 216 into acoupling element passage 242 of the couplingelement engaging structure 236. The couplingelement engaging structure 236 includes a securement structure 246 (e.g., a threaded setscrew) for securing thecoupling element 216 in a fixed placement relative to the couplingelement engaging structure 236. Accordingly, as discussed below in greater detail, axial displacement of the couplingelement engaging structure 236 results in a corresponding axial displacement ofcoupling element 216 and the cleaning member attached to the distal end portion thereof. - The coupling
element engaging structure 236 is translatably and rotatably seated within acentral passage 229 of thecam body 227. The mountingportion 234 of the second cleaning member control mechanism 224 (e.g., a first structural element of an interlocked interface structure) is disposed within thecentral passage 229 of thecam body 227 and is threadedly engaged with the cam body 227 (e.g., a second structural element of an interlocked interface structure), whereby rotation of thesecond control body 226 causes axial displacement of thecam body 227 relative to the mountingportion 234 of the second cleaningmember control mechanism 224. Thecam body 227 is mounted on theuser interface body 203 and is jointly configured with theuser interface body 203 to permit axial translation of thecam body 227 relative to theuser interface body 203 and inhibit unrestricted rotational movement therebetween (i.e., a translation-enabling, rotation-inhibiting interface). The mountingportion 234 of the second cleaningmember control mechanism 224 is engaged withuser interface housing 203 to permit rotational movement of thesecond control body 226 relative to theuser interface housing 203, while inhibiting unrestricted axial displacement therebetween (i.e., a rotation-enabling, translation-inhibiting interface). The mountingportion 230 of the first cleaningmember control mechanism 222 is rotatably disposed within thecentral passage 229 of thecam body 227, extending through acentral passage 231 of thesecond control body 226. - The coupling
element engaging structure 236 includes anextension portion 238 that is engaged within acentral passage 240 of thefirst control body 225. Mating surface of theextension portion 238 and thecentral passage 240 are jointly configured to permit relative axial translation between theextension portion 238 and thefirst control body 225, while inhibiting relative rotation therebetween (i.e., translation-enabling, rotation-inhibiting interface). For example, theextension portion 238 can have a non-circular cross-sectional profile (e.g., a square or star shaped cross-sectional profile) and thecentral passage 240 can correspondingly have a non-circular cross-sectional profile. A resilient member 243 (e.g., spring) is engaged between thecam body 227 and the couplingelement engaging structure 236 for biasing the extension portion of the couplingelement engaging structure 236 toward thecentral passage 240 of the first cleaningmember control mechanism 222. - The mounting
portion 230 of the first cleaningmember control mechanism 222 includes atravel limiting element 245 that is fixedly attached thereto and that engages one or more surface of the mountingportion 234 of the second cleaningmember control mechanism 224. For example, thetravel limiting element 245 can abut an end face of the mountingportion 234 of the second cleaningmember control mechanism 224, as shown, or can engaged a groove at an intermediate location of the mountingportion 234. Such engagement of thetravel limiting element 245 with one or more surfaces of the second cleaningmember control mechanism 224 secures the first cleaningmember control mechanism 222 in axial position relative to the second cleaningmember control mechanism 224 while enabling rotation movement therebetween. Such securement of the first and second cleaningmember control mechanism portion 234 of the second cleaningmember control mechanism 224 with thecam body 227 provides for axial displacement of thecam body 227 relative to the first and second cleaningmember control mechanisms second control body 226 is rotated (e.g., clock-wise rotation provides axial movement in one direction and counter clock-wise rotation provides axial movement in the opposite direction). - Referring now to
FIGS. 15-18 , thecam body 227 includes a camming structure 247 (i.e., a cam surface providing structure) that defines an axial position of the cleaning member as a function of angular position of thefirst control body 225. In one or more embodiments, thecamming structure 247 can be a slot (i.e., including channels and recessed portions) and the slot can extend entirely through a wall defining thecentral passage 229. In one or more other embodiments, the functionality of thecamming structure 247 can be provided by a track or other structure that includes a profiled surface defining an axial position of the cleaning member as a function of angular position of a control portion of the cleaning member controller. A motion control member 249 (e.g., a pin) has a first end portion thereof fixedly attached to the couplingelement engaging structure 236 and a second end portion thereof slidably engaged with the camming structure 247 (e.g., a pin within a slot). Thecamming structure 247 has a profile that at least partially defines a path of travel of themotion control member 249. Accordingly, in use, rotation of thefirst control body 225 causes themotion control member 249 to travel along such path and, thus provide a corresponding axial movement of the couplingelement engaging structure 236 to which the cleaning member is attached through the coupling element 214. - The
cam body 226, the couplingelement engaging structure 236 and themotion control member 249 jointly define a motion control device. Thecam body 227 includes a motion control structure that defines an axial position of the couplingelement engaging structure 236 as a function of angular position of thefirst control body 225. The motion control device provides for rotational and axial movement of the cleaning member and thus a cleaning member attached thereto via thecoupling element 216. - In one or more embodiments, as shown in
FIGS. 15-18 , thecamming structure 247 of thecam body 227 is circumferential such that it extends around an entire circumference of thecamming structure 247. Thecamming structure 247 has a plurality of cam segments. A first one of these cam segments (the first cam segment 252) can be a dwell segment during which the cleaning member is rotated while in a stowed position relative to a distal end portion of an elongated body 202 (FIG. 13 ) of thecleaning apparatus 200. A second one of these cam segments (the second cam segment 254) can be a deployment segment during which the cleaning member is deployed from the stowed position to a use position (i.e., axially displace away from the distal end portion of the elongated body 202). A third one of these cam segments (the third cam segment 256) can be a contact segment during which the cleaning member is rotated into and away from contact with the imaging element of the endoscope while the cleaning member remains fully or partially axially displaced axially away from the distal end portion of theelongated body 202 by a distance defined at least partially by the second andthird cam segment third cam segment 256 can have a slope for causing the cleaning member to exhibit a corresponding axial displacement. A fourth one of these cam segments (the fourth cam segment 258) can be a retraction segment during which the cleaning member returns to the stowed position. The resilient member provides a biasing force for urging the couplingelement engaging structure 236 toward to fully retracted position and thus the cleaning member toward the stowed position. - Movement of the
motion control member 249 through these cam segments defines a current instance of a cleaning cycle. A next instance of cleaningcycle 260 is initiated upon rotation of thefirst control body 225. Theretraction segment 258 also can serve as an anti-rotation tool by, for example, theretraction segment 258 and thedwell segment 252 having a steep vertical profile (e.g., 90-degree angle therebetween) that prevents themotion control member 249 moving in an unintended direction of rotation. - In one or more other embodiment of the present invention, the second cleaning
member control mechanism 224 can be omitted. Omission of the second cleaningmember control mechanism 224 provides for thefirst control body 225 to be rotatably mounted on the chassis and enables thefirst control body 225 to be attached to the couplingelement engaging structure 236 in a manner that inhibits both rotational movement and axial movement of thefirst control body 225 with respect to the couplingelement engaging structure 236. Such an embodiment provides the aforementioned combined first and second control member manipulation modes while omitting the aforementioned third control member manipulation modes - Although the invention has been described with reference to several exemplary embodiments, it is understood that the words that have been used are words of description and illustration, rather than words of limitation. Changes may be made within the purview of the appended claims, as presently stated and as amended, without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention in all its aspects. Although the invention has been described with reference to particular means, materials and embodiments, the invention is not intended to be limited to the particulars disclosed; rather, the invention extends to all functionally equivalent technologies, structures, methods and uses such as are within the scope of the appended claims.
Claims (27)
1. An in vivo endoscope cleaning apparatus, comprising:
a chassis adapted for having an endoscope seated thereon;
a cleaning member at a distal end portion of the chassis; and
a cleaning member movement mechanism at a proximate end portion of the chassis, wherein the cleaning member movement mechanism includes a control body and a motion control device, wherein the control body is rotatably coupled to the chassis, wherein the motion control device includes a cleaning member coupling element and a cam body, wherein the cleaning member is fixedly attached to the cleaning member coupling element, wherein the cleaning member coupling element is coupled to the control body to inhibit unrestricted rotational movement therebetween over an entire range of rotation of the control body whereby rotation of the control body causes a corresponding rotation of the cleaning member over the entire range of rotation of the control body, wherein the cam body has a motion control surface thereof engaged with the cleaning member coupling element, wherein the cleaning member coupling element is rotationally moveable and axially movable with respect to the motion control surface of the cam body, wherein a profile of the motion control surface defines axial position of the cleaning member coupling element relative to the chassis as a function of angular position of the control body such that the cleaning member being fixedly attached to the cleaning member coupling element causes each particular angular position of the cleaning member coupling element to be associated with a respective axial position of the cleaning member.
2. The in vivo endoscope cleaning apparatus of claim 1 wherein the cleaning member is at a location of the chassis that is adjacent to an imaging element of the endoscope when the endoscope is seated on the chassis.
3. The in vivo endoscope cleaning apparatus of claim 1 wherein:
the chassis includes a user interface body and an elongated body attached to the user interface body;
the elongated body is adapted for having the endoscope seated thereon; and
the cleaning member is at a location adjacent to an imaging element of the endoscope when the endoscope is seated on the elongated body.
4. The in vivo endoscope cleaning apparatus of claim 1 wherein at least one of the control body and the cleaning member coupling element has a motion control member thereof engaged with the motion control surface whereby rotation of the control body results in axial translation and rotational movement of the cleaning member relative to the chassis in accordance with the profile of the motion control surface.
5. The in vivo endoscope cleaning apparatus of claim 4 wherein said engagement of the control body with the cleaning member coupling element enables axial translation of the cleaning member coupling element relative to the control body and inhibits unrestricted rotational displacement therebetween.
6. The in vivo endoscope cleaning apparatus of claim 5 wherein the control body is coupled to a control body mounting portion of the chassis to inhibit unrestricted axial displacement of the control body relative to the chassis.
7. The in vivo endoscope cleaning apparatus of claim 4 wherein:
the chassis includes a user interface body and an elongated body attached to the user interface body;
the elongated body is adapted for having the endoscope seated thereon; and
the cleaning member is at a location adjacent to an imaging element of the endoscope when the endoscope is seated on the elongated body.
8. The in vivo endoscope cleaning apparatus of claim 4 wherein:
the motion control surface is defined by a slot within the cam body; and
the motion control member is engaged within the slot.
9. The in vivo endoscope cleaning apparatus of claim 8 wherein:
a coupling element engaging structure of the cleaning member coupling element is located within a central passage of the cam body;
said engagement of the control body with the cleaning member coupling element inhibits unrestricted rotational displacement therebetween; and
the control body is coupled to a control body mounting portion of the chassis to inhibit unrestricted axial displacement of the control body relative to the chassis.
10. The in vivo endoscope cleaning apparatus of claim 4 wherein:
a coupling element engaging structure of the cleaning member coupling element is located within a central passage of the cam body;
said engagement of the control body with the cleaning member coupling element inhibits unrestricted rotational displacement of the control body relative to the cleaning member coupling element and permits axial displacement therebetween; and
the control body coupled to a control body mounting portion of the chassis to inhibit unrestricted axial displacement of the control body relative to the chassis.
11. An in vivo endoscope cleaning apparatus, comprising:
a chassis adapted for having an endoscope seated thereon;
a cleaning member;
a coupling element engaged with the chassis and having a distal end thereof fixedly attached to the cleaning member; and
a cleaning member movement mechanism including a cam body, a control body and a cleaning member coupling element, wherein the control body is rotatably attached to the chassis, wherein the cam body is engaged with the chassis and includes a motion control surface having a profile that defines axial movement of the cleaning member coupling element with respect to the cam body as a function of angular position of the control body, wherein the cleaning member coupling element is translatably and rotatably engaged with the cam body and has a proximate end of the coupling element fixedly attached thereto, wherein the control body is attached to the cleaning member coupling element to inhibit unrestricted rotational movement therebetween over an entire range of rotation of the control body whereby rotation of the control body causes a corresponding rotation of the cleaning member over the entire range of rotation of the control body, and wherein the cleaning member coupling element has a motion control member thereof engaged with the motion control surface whereby rotation of the control body results in axial movement of the cleaning member relative to the chassis in accordance with the profile of the motion control surface.
12. The in vivo endoscope cleaning apparatus of claim 11 wherein the cleaning member is at a location of the chassis that is adjacent to an imaging element of the endoscope when the endoscope is seated on the chassis.
13. The in vivo endoscope cleaning apparatus of claim 11 wherein:
the chassis includes a user interface body and an elongated body attached to the user interface body;
the elongated body is adapted for having the endoscope seated thereon; and
the cleaning member is at a location adjacent to an imaging element of the endoscope when the endoscope is seated on the elongated body.
14. The in vivo endoscope cleaning apparatus of claim 11 wherein said engagement of the control body with the cleaning member coupling element enables axial translation of the cleaning member coupling element relative to the control body and inhibits unrestricted rotational displacement therebetween.
15. The in vivo endoscope cleaning apparatus of claim 14 wherein
the control body is coupled to a control body mounting portion of the chassis that inhibits axial displacement of the control body relative to the chassis.
16. The in vivo endoscope cleaning apparatus of claim 15 wherein:
the chassis includes a user interface body and an elongated body attached to the user interface body;
the elongated body is adapted for having the endoscope seated thereon; and
the cleaning member is at a location adjacent to an imaging element of the endoscope when the endoscope is seated on the elongated body.
17. The in vivo endoscope cleaning apparatus of claim 14 wherein:
the motion control surface is defined by a slot within the cam body; and
the motion control member is engaged within the slot.
18. The in vivo endoscope cleaning apparatus of claim 17 wherein:
a coupling element engaging structure of the cleaning member coupling element is located within a central passage of the cam body;
said engagement of the control body with the cleaning member coupling element inhibits unrestricted rotational displacement of the control body relative to the cleaning member coupling element and permits axial displacement therebetween; and
the control body is coupled to a control body mounting portion of the chassis to inhibit unrestricted axial displacement of the control body relative to the chassis.
19. The in vivo endoscope cleaning apparatus of claim 14 wherein:
the cleaning member coupling element is located within a central passage of the cam body;
said engagement of the control body with the cleaning member coupling element inhibits unrestricted rotational displacement of the control body relative to the cleaning member coupling element and permits axial displacement therebetween; and
the control body coupled to a control body mounting portion of the chassis to inhibit unrestricted axial displacement of the control body relative to the chassis.
20. A cleaning member controller of an in vivo endoscope cleaning apparatus having chassis and a cleaning member, comprising:
a cleaning member coupling element fixedly coupled to the cleaning member of the in vivo endoscope cleaning apparatus;
a control body rotatably attached to the chassis and attached to the cleaning member coupling element to inhibit unrestricted rotational movement therebetween over an entire range of rotation of the control body whereby rotation of the control body causes a corresponding rotational movement of the cleaning member over the entire range of rotation of the control body; and
a cam body having a chassis engaging portion engaged with the chassis of the in vivo endoscope cleaning apparatus, wherein the cam body includes a motion control surface having a profile that defines axial movement of the cleaning member coupling element with respect to the cam body as a function of angular position of the control body, wherein the cleaning member coupling element is translatably and rotatably engaged with the cam body and wherein the cleaning member coupling element has a motion coupling element thereof engaged with the motion control surface whereby rotation of the control body results in axial movement of the cleaning member relative to the cam body in accordance with the profile of the motion control surface.
21. The cleaning member controller of claim 20 wherein the cleaning member is at a location of the chassis that is adjacent to an imaging element of an endoscope when the endoscope is attached to the chassis.
22. The cleaning member controller of claim 20 wherein:
the chassis includes a user interface body and an elongated body attached to the user interface body;
the elongated body is adapted for having an endoscope seated thereon; and
the cleaning member is at a location adjacent to an imaging element of the endoscope when the endoscope is seated on the elongated body.
23. The cleaning member controller of claim 20 wherein said attachment of the control body with the cleaning member coupling element enables axial translation of the cleaning member coupling element relative to the control body and inhibits unrestricted rotational displacement therebetween.
24. The cleaning member controller of claim 23 wherein the control body is coupled to a control body mounting portion of the chassis unrestricted axial displacement of the control body relative to the chassis.
25. The cleaning member controller of claim 24 wherein:
the chassis includes a user interface body and an elongated body attached to the user interface body;
the elongated body is adapted for having an endoscope seated thereon; and
the cleaning member is at a location adjacent to an imaging element of the endoscope when the endoscope is seated on the elongated body.
26. The cleaning member controller of claim 20 wherein:
the motion control surface is defined by a slot within the cam body; and
the motion control member is engaged within the slot.
27. The cleaning member controller of claim 26 wherein:
a coupling element engaging structure of the cleaning member coupling element is located within a central passage of the cam body;
said attachment of the control body with the cleaning member coupling element inhibits unrestricted rotational displacement of the control body relative to the cleaning member coupling element and permits axial displacement therebetween; and
the control body is coupled to a control body mounting portion of the chassis to inhibit unrestricted axial displacement of the control body relative to the chassis.
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US18/330,629 US20230309809A1 (en) | 2019-10-04 | 2023-06-07 | Imaging element cleaning apparatus with structure-mandated cleaning member motion control |
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US17/068,563 US10959610B1 (en) | 2019-10-04 | 2020-10-12 | Imaging element cleaning apparatus with structure-mandated cleaning member motion control |
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US17/068,563 Active US10959610B1 (en) | 2019-10-04 | 2020-10-12 | Imaging element cleaning apparatus with structure-mandated cleaning member motion control |
US17/178,783 Active 2040-05-12 US11707188B2 (en) | 2019-10-04 | 2021-02-18 | Imaging element cleaning apparatus with structure-mandated cleaning member motion control |
US18/330,629 Pending US20230309809A1 (en) | 2019-10-04 | 2023-06-07 | Imaging element cleaning apparatus with structure-mandated cleaning member motion control |
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US18/330,629 Pending US20230309809A1 (en) | 2019-10-04 | 2023-06-07 | Imaging element cleaning apparatus with structure-mandated cleaning member motion control |
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US11284789B2 (en) | 2022-03-29 |
US20210177250A1 (en) | 2021-06-17 |
US10959610B1 (en) | 2021-03-30 |
US11707188B2 (en) | 2023-07-25 |
US20230309809A1 (en) | 2023-10-05 |
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