Angled Endoscope Working Channel for Compact Tip Housing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing endoscopes face limitations in reducing the overall cross-sectional dimension of the tip housing due to the thickness of the partitioning wall separating the electronics compartment from the working channel passage, which increases the risk of electrical discharge and requires a glue flange that adds to the wall thickness, compromising the smoothness and strength of the working channel.
Innovation Solution
The endoscope design incorporates a working channel passage angled relative to the housing center axis, with a tapered internal partitioning wall and a transition sector that reduces the external wall thickness, allowing for a stronger glue joint and smoother transition between the working channel tube and passage, while maintaining electrical insulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the partitioning wall thickness is reduced to make the tip housing more compact, then the overall cross-sectional dimension is reduced, but the risk of electrical breakdown increases
Solution Approach 1:
The partitioning wall uses a multi-layer composite structure combining plastic material with an intermediate layer having different electrical properties. This composite construction provides sufficient electrical insulation while maintaining thin overall wall thickness, resolving the contradiction between compact size and electrical safety.
Solution Approach 2:
The partitioning wall employs non-uniform thickness distribution with thicker sections at critical locations near electrical components and thinner sections where insulation requirements are lower. This localized quality adjustment maintains electrical reliability while minimizing overall wall thickness and tip housing dimension.
2Strength
If a glue flange is added to strengthen the peripheral glue joint, then the gluing strength is improved, but the external wall thickness increases
Solution Approach 1:
The glue flange extends in the axial direction (longitudinal dimension) rather than increasing radial wall thickness. This dimensional redirection provides enhanced glue joint strength while maintaining the external wall thickness and smoothness of the working channel passage.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection structure is segmented into the main wall body and the protruding glue flange portion. This segmentation allows the glue joint to be strengthened at the flange location without compromising the smoothness and dimensional constraints of the main external wall.
3Volume of moving object
If the external wall thickness is reduced for a more compact design, then the tip housing becomes smaller, but the mechanical strength at the glue joint decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The glue flange protrudes axially from the working channel passage to provide enhanced glue joint strength. This axial extension compensates for the reduced radial wall thickness, maintaining mechanical strength while enabling a more compact tip housing design.
Solution Approach 2:
The glue flange is pre-formed as an integral part of the working channel passage structure before assembly. This preliminary formation ensures optimal glue joint geometry and strength without requiring additional thickening of the external wall, thus maintaining compact dimensions.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This design achieves a thinner external wall, enabling a more compact tip part with improved mechanical strength and reduced risk of electrical discharge, while accommodating larger tools and ensuring a smooth lumen for instrument passage.
Implementation Method 1
The proximal end surface is adapted to abut the distal end surface face of the working channel tube with a layer of adhesive between them for forming the connection
Data Source
AI summary
An endoscope including a handle and an insertion tube having a tip part (1) at the distal end and a working channel tube connected to a working channel passage (4) in the tip part (1). The working channel passage (4) is circumferentially delimited by a working passage inner wall surface (7) and the working channel passage (4) has a proximal end including a proximal end surface (15) and a distal end. The tip part (1) includes a housing (3) with a housing centre axis (C). The working channel passage inner wall surface (7) includes at least one inner surface wall section having rotational symmetry about a working channel centre axis (c) and extending at least partially between the proximal end and the distal end of the working channel passage (4). The working channel centre axis (c) is arranged at an angle to the housing centre axis (C).