Flexible robotic endoscopy system

Abstract

An embodiment of the invention is an endoscopy system with newly designed docking block, brake control, wire tension adjustment, bending angle sensor, memory chip data storage, valve control, imaging lens cleaning, optimized lumen arrangement and distal position sensor. The docking block can have a one-touch retaining mechanism. Braking control can be accessed by the endoscopist at the hand grip or knobs. Wire tension can be relaxed or tightened in response to surgeon or endoscopist control. Bending angle sensors can protect surgical instruments. Memory chip can store usage data of the endoscope. Multiple valves can have priority control. Lenses can be cleaned with one touch of a button. Lumens can be arranged to maximize imaging and lighting angles. Position markers accompanied with sensors can position the distal end of the endoscope automatically in the optimal position.

We claim: 
     
         1 . A endoscopy system apparatus comprising:
 (a) an endoscope including a control body having a docking block on the proximal end of the control body;   (b) a docking station including a docking mechanism,
 (i) wherein the docking mechanism is mechanically connected to the exterior of the docking block; 
 (ii) wherein the docking block and the docking mechanism include one matching orientation feature; and 
 (iii) wherein the docking block and the docking mechanism together further comprise a one-touch retaining mechanism for mechanically locking the docking block to the docking mechanism. 
   
     
     
         2 . The endoscopy system of  claim 1 , wherein the one-touch retaining mechanism includes at least:
 (a) one or more lock pins; and   (b) one or more lock pin recesses.   
     
     
         3 . The endoscopy system of  claim 1 , wherein the one matching orientation feature comprises one or more alignment positioning features are asymmetric about a longitudinal axis of the control body or perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. 
     
     
         4 . The endoscopy system of  claim 1 , wherein the docking block is rectangular in shape along the longitudinal axis.