Endoscope tip attachment device
Embodiments of the disclosure include an endoscope tip assembly for use on an endoscope, during procedures. The endoscope tip assembly may include a base configured to receive an endoscope tip configured to not disengage from the endoscope tip during a procedure. The endoscope tip assembly may also include a plurality of struts which is connected by a webbing, may fold flat during insertion, and may assume a balloon-like shape during withdrawal.
1. An endoscope tip assembly comprising:
a ring-shaped base removably mounted to a distal end of an endoscope insertion portion, having an outer layer formed of a first polymer, and having an inner layer formed of a second polymer having a smaller hardness than that of the first polymer;
a plurality of struts formed of the second polymer to collapsibly radiate from the base; and
a webbing connecting two struts of the plurality of struts.
2. The endoscope tip assembly according to claim 1 , wherein
a difference in durometer hardness between the outer layer and the plurality of struts is A10 or more.
3. The endoscope tip assembly according to claim 1 , wherein
the difference in durometer hardness between the outer layer and the plurality of struts is A30 or more.
4. The endoscope tip assembly according to claim 1 , wherein
the difference in durometer hardness between the outer layer and the plurality of struts is A60 or more.
5. The endoscope tip assembly according to claim 1 , wherein
the outer layer has a durometer hardness of A70 or more.
6. The endoscope tip assembly according to claim 1 , wherein
the outer layer has a durometer hardness of A90 or more.
7. The endoscope tip assembly according to claim 1 , wherein
the plurality of struts has a durometer hardness of A30 to A80.
8. The endoscope tip assembly according to claim 1 , wherein
the plurality of struts has a durometer hardness of A40 to A70.
9. The endoscope tip assembly according to claim 1 , wherein
the plurality of struts has a durometer hardness of A50 to A60.
10. The endoscope tip assembly according to claim 1 , wherein
the second polymer includes silicone rubber, fluoro rubber, urethane rubber, acrylic rubber, nitrile rubber, or natural rubber.
11. The endoscope tip assembly according to claim 10 , wherein
the second polymer includes silicone rubber.
12. The endoscope tip assembly according to claim 11 , wherein
the first polymer includes polysulfone (PSU).
13. The endoscope tip assembly according to claim 1 , wherein
the first polymer includes polyetheretherketone(PEEK), polyphenylsulfone (PPSU), polysulfone (PSU), polyetherimide (PEI), or polyoxymethylene (POM).