Clamping tools and systems for capsule endoscope assembly

Abstract

This application discloses a clamping tool and clamping system suitable for assembling capsule endoscopes. The clamping tool includes a base and a suction cup. The base includes a first end face and a second end face facing away from each other axially. A groove is provided on the first end face, and the base has a vent hole connecting the groove wall to the second end face. The suction cup is mounted on the first end face, at least covering the groove to form an adsorption space with the groove wall. The suction cup has a vent hole communicating with the adsorption space. When a vacuum is evacuated from the adsorption space through the vent hole, the suction cup pulls the capsule optical front cover to adhere to the groove wall. When the vacuum is broken from the adsorption space through the vent hole, allowing the suction cup to return to its initial state, the suction cup separates from the groove wall, and under the action of gravity, at least a portion of the suction cup protrudes from the first end face in a direction away from it. Through this method, this application can improve the assembly accuracy and optical imaging quality of capsule endoscopes.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of medical device technology, and in particular to a clamping tool and clamping system suitable for assembling capsule endoscopes. Background Technology

[0002] Capsule endoscopy is a non-invasive and painless medical device for examining the digestive tract, capturing images of the lining of the digestive tract through optical imaging. The assembly process of capsule endoscopy requires clamping the capsule's optical front cover and outer shell. Current assembly processes primarily use pressing clamps to quickly clamp and press down on the capsule's optical front cover. However, these clamps have the following drawbacks: firstly, uneven force applied around the clamp can cause deformation of the capsule's optical front cover, leading to decreased assembly accuracy; secondly, they can easily cause scratches on the surface of the capsule's optical front cover, thus affecting the optical imaging quality of the capsule endoscopy. Therefore, improving the assembly accuracy and optical imaging quality of capsule endoscopy has become an urgent problem to be solved. Utility Model Content

[0003] This application provides a clamping tool and clamping system suitable for assembling capsule endoscopes, which can improve the assembly accuracy and optical imaging quality of capsule endoscopes.

[0004] To address the aforementioned technical problems, a first aspect of this application provides a clamping tool suitable for assembling a capsule endoscope, comprising: a base, the base including a first end face and a second end face axially opposite to each other, the first end face having a groove, and the base having an air guide hole communicating with the groove wall and the second end face; a suction cup, mounted on the first end face, the suction cup at least covering the groove to form an adsorption space with the groove wall, the suction cup having an air vent communicating with the adsorption space, when the adsorption space is evacuated through the air guide hole, the suction cup drives the capsule optical front cover to adhere to the groove wall, when the adsorption space is evacuated through the air guide hole to return the suction cup to its initial state, the suction cup separates from the groove wall and under the action of gravity, at least a portion of the suction cup protrudes from the first end face in a direction away from the first end face.

[0005] The suction cup is made of at least one of silicone, natural rubber, silicone rubber, and styrene-butadiene rubber.

[0006] The air guide hole and the air vent are coaxially arranged, and the diameter of the air guide hole is equal to the diameter of the air vent.

[0007] The groove is an arc-shaped groove, and the base is also provided with a guide groove that connects the groove and the first end face, and the guide groove extends along the axial direction.

[0008] The groove is an arc-shaped groove, and in the initial state, the arc of the portion of the suction cup protruding from the first end face is smaller than the arc of the groove.

[0009] The base is in the form of a cuboid or a cylinder, and / or the material of the base includes at least one of aluminum alloy, stainless steel, polyoxymethylene, and polyphenylene sulfide.

[0010] The base has a first marking line and a second marking line that are perpendicular to each other on its side wall. The first marking line extends along the axial direction, and the second marking line is disposed adjacent to the first end face.

[0011] The first and second markings are formed on the sidewall of the base by etching or spraying.

[0012] The central axis of the base, the central axis of the air vent, and the central axis of the groove coincide.

[0013] To address the aforementioned technical problems, a second aspect of this application provides a clamping system suitable for assembling capsule endoscopes, including the clamping tool described in the first aspect.

[0014] Unlike existing technologies, the advantages of this application are as follows: This application utilizes the combination of air guide holes and ventilation holes to form a negative pressure suction cup to adsorb the capsule optical front cover and complete the clamping. During the clamping process, the suction cup and the capsule optical front cover always maintain surface contact, avoiding the local stress damage caused by traditional electric grippers clamping the capsule optical front cover. This makes the capsule optical front cover subjected to uniform force and less prone to deformation, improving the assembly accuracy of the capsule endoscope. Furthermore, the soft contact of the suction cup can reduce the damage to the capsule optical front cover and improve the optical imaging quality of the capsule endoscope. Attached Figure Description

[0015] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application, the accompanying drawings used in the description of the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort. Wherein:

[0016] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of one embodiment of the clamping tool of this application;

[0017] Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of one embodiment of the clamping tool for adsorbing the optical front cover of the capsule in this application. Detailed Implementation

[0018] The technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of this application, and not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this application, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0019] It should be noted that the terms "first" and "second" in this application are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of indicated technical features. Therefore, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of that feature. In the description of this application, "multiple" means at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise explicitly specified. Furthermore, the terms "comprising" and "having," and any variations thereof, are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion. For example, a process, method, system, product, or apparatus that includes a series of steps or units is not limited to the listed steps or units, but may optionally include steps or units not listed, or may optionally include other steps or units inherent to these processes, methods, products, or apparatuses.

[0020] In this document, the term "embodiment" means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with an embodiment may be included in at least one embodiment of this application. The appearance of this phrase in various places throughout the specification does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, nor is it a separate or alternative embodiment mutually exclusive with other embodiments. It will be explicitly and implicitly understood by those skilled in the art that the embodiments described herein can be combined with other embodiments.

[0021] In the description of the embodiments in this application, the term "and / or" is merely a description of the relationship between related objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can represent: A existing alone, A and B existing simultaneously, and B existing alone. Additionally, the character " / " in this document generally indicates that the preceding and following related objects have an "or" relationship.

[0022] In the description of the embodiments of this application, the term "multiple" refers to two or more (including two), similarly, "multiple sets" refers to two or more (including two sets), and "multiple pieces" refers to two or more (including two pieces).

[0023] In the description of the embodiments of this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, technical terms such as "installation," "connection," "joining," and "fixing" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components. For those skilled in the art, the specific meaning of the above terms in the embodiments of this application can be understood according to the specific circumstances.

[0024] Please see Figure 1 and Figure 2 , Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of one embodiment of the clamping tool of this application. Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of one embodiment of the clamping tool for adsorbing the optical front cover of the capsule in this application. The clamping tool 1 includes a base 10 and a suction cup 20. The base 10 includes a first end face 100 and a second end face 101 that are axially opposite to each other. The first end face 100 is provided with a groove 102. The base 10 is provided with a vent hole 103 that connects the groove wall of the groove 102 and the second end face 101. The suction cup 20 is installed on the first end face 100. The suction cup 20 at least covers the groove 102 to form an adsorption space with the groove wall of the groove 102. The suction cup 20 is provided with a vent hole 200 that communicates with the adsorption space. When the adsorption space is evacuated through the vent hole 103, the suction cup 20 drives the capsule optical front cover 2 to be adsorbed on the groove wall of the groove 102. When the vacuum of the adsorption space is broken through the vent hole 103 and the suction cup 20 returns to its initial state, the suction cup 20 separates from the groove wall of the groove 102 and, under the action of gravity, at least a part of the suction cup 20 protrudes from the first end face 100 in the direction away from the first end face 100.

[0025] Specifically, the base 10 includes a first end face 100 and a second end face 101 that are axially opposite. A groove 102 is provided on the first end face 100 of the base 10 to accommodate the capsule optical front cover 2, which is adsorbed by the suction cup 20. The suction cup 20 is mounted on the first end face 100 to adsorb the capsule optical front cover 2. The suction cup 20 at least covers the groove 102, thereby enclosing it with the groove wall to form an adsorption space. The base 10 is provided with a vent hole 103 communicating between the groove wall of the groove 102 and the second end face 101. The suction cup 20 is correspondingly provided with a vent hole 200 communicating with the adsorption space. When air is drawn out through the air vent 103 to create a vacuum in the adsorption space, a negative pressure is formed in the air vent 103 and the air vent 200, causing the suction cup 20 to pull the capsule optical front cover 2 to adhere to the groove wall of the groove 102, thus clamping the capsule optical front cover 2. When the vacuum in the adsorption space is broken through the air vent 103 and the suction cup 20 returns to its initial state, that is, when the suction cup 20 is in an unadhesive state, the suction cup 20 separates from the groove wall of the groove 102, and under its own gravity, at least a portion of the suction cup 20 protrudes from the first end face 100 in the direction away from the first end face 100 of the base 10.

[0026] In some embodiments, the air guide hole 103 is located at the center of the base 10, and the air vent 200 is located at the center of the suction cup 20 to ensure uniform force distribution.

[0027] In some embodiments, an air extraction device is used to extract air outward through the air guide hole 103, so that a negative pressure is formed in the air guide hole 103 and the air vent 200, such as an electric air extractor, a vacuum pump, etc.

[0028] In some embodiments, the suction cup 20 covers the entire first end face 100. In other embodiments, the suction cup 20 may only cover part of the first end face 100, as long as the suction cup 20 covers the groove 102.

[0029] In some embodiments, the suction cup 20 is sealed to the first end face 100 of the base 10, and the suction cup 20 completely covers the groove 102 on the first end face 100 of the base 10, thereby ensuring that the base 10 will not make hard contact with the capsule optical front cover 2 when it is aligned with and pressed down.

[0030] In one specific implementation scenario, the suction cup 20 is sealed to the first end face 100 of the base 10 by adhesive.

[0031] Of course, in other implementation scenarios, the suction cup 20 can also be sealed to the base 10 by other methods such as nailing or snapping, and the specific settings can be made according to actual needs.

[0032] As can be seen from the above, this application utilizes the cooperation of the air guide hole 103 and the air vent 200 to form a negative pressure on the suction cup 20 to adsorb the capsule optical front cover 2 and complete the clamping. During the clamping process, the suction cup 20 and the capsule optical front cover 2 always maintain surface contact, avoiding the local stress damage caused by the traditional electric gripper clamping the capsule optical front cover 2. This makes the capsule optical front cover 2 subject to uniform force and less prone to deformation, improving the assembly accuracy of the capsule endoscope. Furthermore, the soft contact of the suction cup 20 can reduce the damage to the capsule optical front cover 2 and improve the optical imaging quality of the capsule endoscope.

[0033] In some embodiments, the suction cup 20 is made of at least one of silicone, natural rubber, silicone rubber, and styrene-butadiene rubber.

[0034] Specifically, suction cups 20 made of silicone are highly flexible, have a wide temperature range, are corrosion-resistant, anti-aging, and have a long service life; suction cups 20 made of natural rubber have high elasticity and flexibility, providing stable adsorption force and low manufacturing cost; suction cups 20 made of silicone rubber have extremely high temperature resistance, are resistant to ultraviolet rays, humid environments, and various chemicals, are not prone to aging with long-term use, have high stability, and are soft and smooth to the touch, without scratching the surface of the capsule optical front cover 2; suction cups 20 made of styrene-butadiene rubber have high wear resistance and anti-aging properties, and a long service life.

[0035] Alternatively, a combination of materials can be used to make the suction cup 20. For example, styrene-butadiene rubber and natural rubber can be used together to improve the durability of the suction cup 20 and reduce the cost. Alternatively, silicone rubber and natural rubber can be combined to maintain flexibility in low-temperature environments while reducing costs. This application does not impose specific restrictions on the combination of materials.

[0036] In some embodiments, the air guide hole 103 and the air vent 200 are coaxially arranged, and the diameter of the air guide hole 103 is equal to the diameter of the air vent 200.

[0037] Specifically, the air guide hole 103 on the base 10 and the air vent 200 on the suction cup 20 are coaxially arranged, so that the center lines of the air guide hole 103 and the air vent 200 coincide, ensuring that the airflow path is straight and unobstructed, avoiding airflow turbulence or increased local resistance due to misalignment, which would lead to insufficient adsorption force. In addition, the diameter of the air guide hole 103 and the diameter of the air vent 200 are consistent, so that when adsorbing the suction cup 20, the exhaust can be smooth. When releasing the suction cup 20, the external air can enter the suction cup 20 evenly through the coaxial hole, balancing the internal and external air pressure, so that the suction cup 20 can be easily detached, avoiding the difficulty of desorption or residual adsorption force due to excessive air pressure difference.

[0038] In other embodiments, the air guide hole 103 may be non-coaxial with the air vent 200, or the diameter of the air guide hole 103 may be different from the diameter of the air vent 200. The specific settings can be made according to actual needs.

[0039] In some embodiments, the central axis of the base 10, the central axis of the air duct 103, and the central axis of the groove 102 coincide to further ensure that the airflow path is straight and unobstructed, and to avoid insufficient suction force of the suction cup 20 due to misalignment causing airflow turbulence or increased local resistance.

[0040] In some embodiments, the groove 102 is an arc-shaped groove 102, and the base 10 is also provided with a guide groove 104 that connects the groove 102 and the first section surface, and the guide groove 104 extends axially.

[0041] Specifically, the guide groove 104 is used to correct the posture of the capsule optical front cover 2. The clamping tool 1 is moved to the top of the capsule optical front cover 2 and the clamping tool 1 is moved downward. The capsule optical front cover 2 lifts the suction cup 20, and the suction cup 20 bends and deforms to cover the capsule optical front cover 2. During the pressing process, the guide groove 104 of the base 10 will correct the posture of the capsule optical front cover 2 to keep it vertical, and continue to press the base 10 down until the suction cup 20 just fits the groove wall of the groove 102.

[0042] In some embodiments, the groove 102 is an arc-shaped groove 102, and in the initial state, the arc of the portion of the suction cup 20 protruding from the first end face 100 is smaller than the arc of the groove 102.

[0043] Specifically, when the suction cup 20 is not in the suction state, the arc of the part protruding from the first end face 100 of the base 10 is smaller than the arc of the groove 102 surface, so as to ensure that after the suction cup 20 adsorbs the capsule optical front cover 2, the suction cup 20 can better fit with the groove wall of the groove 102 and avoid the existence of wrinkles.

[0044] Furthermore, when the suction cup 20 is not in the suction state, the curvature of the portion protruding from the first end face 100 of the base 10 is smaller than the curvature of the groove 102. This can also help the suction cup 20 to cope with aging and loosening. When the suction cup 20 has some loosening and deformation due to prolonged use, it can still be firmly attached to the groove wall of the groove 102 after being propped up. Even if the clamping tool 1 is placed upside down during transportation, it will not be attached to the groove wall of the groove 102, reducing the friction between the suction cup 20 and the groove 102, thereby extending the service life of the clamping tool 1.

[0045] Of course, in other embodiments, the curvature of the portion of the suction cup 20 protruding from the first end face 100 can also be equal to the curvature of the groove 102, and can be set according to actual needs.

[0046] In some embodiments, the base 10 has a cuboid structure or a cylindrical structure.

[0047] Specifically, the base 10 can be a cuboid or a cylinder. Since both cuboid and cylinder structures are common, this design can reduce processing difficulty and increase processing speed.

[0048] Of course, in other embodiments, the base 10 can also be in a regular shape such as a polygonal prism, or it can be in other irregular shapes, which can be set according to actual needs.

[0049] In some embodiments, the base 10 is made of at least one of aluminum alloy, stainless steel, polyoxymethylene (POM), and polyphenylene sulfide (PPS). Specifically, the base 10 may be made of one or more of aluminum alloy, stainless steel, POM, and PPS. Aluminum alloy, stainless steel, POM, and PPS are all common and low-cost materials. Therefore, using at least one of aluminum alloy, stainless steel, POM, and PPS as the material for the base 10 can reduce manufacturing costs.

[0050] In some embodiments, the sidewall of the base 10 is provided with a first mark 105 and a second mark 106 that are perpendicular to each other. The first mark 105 extends axially, and the second mark 106 is disposed adjacent to the first end face 100 for aligning the clamping tool 1 with the housing (not shown) of the capsule endoscope to be assembled.

[0051] Specifically, the first marking 105 and the second marking 106 are perpendicular to each other, thus forming a spatial reference coordinate system in an orthogonal direction. When the suction cup 20 of the clamping tool 1 is used to hold the capsule optical front cover 2 of the capsule endoscope to be assembled, the first marking 105 and the second marking 106 are identified to confirm that the capsule optical front cover 2 is aligned with the outer shell of the capsule endoscope to be assembled in three-dimensional space, thereby achieving precise assembly.

[0052] In some embodiments, the first marking 105 and the second marking 106 are formed on the sidewall of the base 10 by etching or spraying. Etching and spraying are common processes, and using these processes to form the first marking 105 and the second marking 106 can improve processing efficiency.

[0053] In a specific implementation scenario, the clamping tool 1 is equipped with an external visual recognition device to identify the first marking 105 and the second marking 106 that are perpendicular to each other on the side wall of the base 10, forming a spatial reference coordinate in an orthogonal direction, which helps the clamping tool 1 to achieve positioning. When the clamping tool 1 is controlled to move, the first marking 105 and the second marking 106 are identified by the external visual recognition device, so that the capsule optical front cover 2 is aligned with the shell of the capsule endoscope to be assembled in three-dimensional space and achieves precise assembly.

[0054] Optionally, the number of first marking lines 105 can be one, two, three, or more. When there are multiple first marking lines 105, the multiple first marking lines 105 are set on the side wall of the base 10 and are evenly distributed circumferentially at 90° intervals.

[0055] Optionally, the number of second marking lines 106 can be one, two, three, or more. When there are multiple second marking lines 106, they are arranged on the side wall of the base 10 and are evenly distributed circumferentially at 90° intervals.

[0056] In one embodiment, this application also provides a clamping system suitable for capsule endoscope assembly, including the clamping tool 1 described in any of the above embodiments.

[0057] The clamping system includes not only the clamping tool 1, but may also include other structures such as an external visual recognition device. The method of using the clamping system includes the following steps: The clamping tool 1 is moved to directly above the capsule optical front cover 2. The clamping tool 1 is then moved downwards, causing the capsule optical front cover 2 to lift the suction cup 20. The suction cup 20 bends and deforms, covering the capsule optical front cover 2. During the downward pressure, the guide groove 104 on the base 10 corrects the posture of the capsule optical front cover 2, keeping it vertical. The base 10 is continued to be pressed down until the suction cup 20 is completely against the groove wall of the groove 102. Air is drawn outwards from the air vent 103 of the base 10 using a vacuum device, thereby creating a negative pressure in the air vent 103 and the ventilation hole 200. The suction cup 20 is used to adsorb the capsule optical front cover 2, causing the capsule optical front cover 2 to adhere to the groove wall of the groove 102, thereby clamping the capsule optical front cover 2. The first and second perpendicular marking lines 105 and 106 on the side wall of the base 10 are identified by an external visual recognition device to form a spatial reference coordinate in an orthogonal direction. The moving clamping tool 1 aligns the capsule optical front cover 2 with the shell of the capsule endoscope to be assembled in three-dimensional space and achieves precise assembly. The soft contact of the suction cup 20 reduces damage to the capsule optical front cover 2, thereby improving the assembly efficiency and yield of the capsule endoscope.

[0058] The above description is merely an embodiment of this application and does not limit the patent scope of this application. Any equivalent structural or procedural transformations made using the content of this application's specification and drawings, or direct or indirect applications in other related technical fields, are similarly included within the patent protection scope of this application.

Claims

1. A holding tool suitable for capsule endoscope assembly, characterized by, include: The base includes a first end face and a second end face that are axially opposite to each other. A groove is provided on the first end face, and the base is provided with a vent hole that connects the groove wall with the second end face. A suction cup is mounted on the first end face. The suction cup at least covers the groove to form an adsorption space with the groove wall. The suction cup is provided with a vent hole communicating with the adsorption space. When the adsorption space is evacuated through the vent hole, the suction cup drives the capsule optical front cover to adhere to the groove wall. When the vacuum in the adsorption space is broken through the vent hole and the suction cup returns to its initial state, the suction cup separates from the groove wall and, under the action of gravity, at least a portion of the suction cup protrudes from the first end face in a direction away from the first end face.

2. The clamping tool according to claim 1, characterized in that, The suction cup is made of at least one of silicone, natural rubber, silicone rubber, and styrene-butadiene rubber.

3. The gripping tool according to claim 1, characterized in that The air guide hole and the air vent are coaxially arranged, and the diameter of the air guide hole is equal to the diameter of the air vent.

4. The gripping tool according to claim 1, characterized in that The groove is an arc-shaped groove, and the base is also provided with a guide groove that connects the groove and the first end face, and the guide groove extends along the axial direction.

5. The gripping tool according to claim 1, characterized in that The groove is an arc-shaped groove, and in the initial state, the arc of the portion of the suction cup protruding from the first end face is smaller than the arc of the groove.

6. The gripping tool according to claim 1, characterized in that The base is in the form of a cuboid or a cylinder, and / or the material of the base includes at least one of aluminum alloy, stainless steel, polyoxymethylene, and polyphenylene sulfide.

7. The clamping tool according to claim 1, characterized in that, The side wall of the base is provided with a first marking line and a second marking line that are perpendicular to each other. The first marking line extends along the axial direction, and the second marking line is disposed adjacent to the first end face.

8. The gripping tool according to claim 7, characterized in that The first and second markings are formed on the sidewall of the base by etching or spraying.

9. The gripping tool according to claim 1, characterized in that The central axis of the base, the central axis of the air vent, and the central axis of the groove coincide.

10. A holding system suitable for capsule endoscope assembly, characterized by, Includes the clamping tool as described in any one of claims 1 to 9.

Images