Assist Tool Locking Mechanism for Endoscope Insertion Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing endoscope insertion tools face challenges in securely attaching assist tools to the insertion section, particularly in maintaining stability and preventing eccentric rotation, which can lead to reduced flexibility and increased external diameter, compromising the ability to navigate serpentine body cavities effectively.
Innovation Solution
A tube with a lumen and a connecting mechanism that receives a drive force, combined with a locking mechanism featuring convex or concave portions to restrict movement along the longitudinal axis, allowing secure attachment and rotation of the assist tool along the external circumferential surface of the insertion section.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a locking mechanism with convex or concave portions is added to prevent movement along the longitudinal axis, then attachment stability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is divided into separate components: convex portions on the assist tool and corresponding concave portions on the insertion section. This segmentation allows each component to be designed independently and assembled together, providing reliable locking without requiring a completely integrated complex structure.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using a complex active locking system that requires actuation, the patent uses a passive locking mechanism where the convex and concave portions naturally engage through simple insertion movements. The locking function is achieved by inverting the approach from active control to passive geometric constraint.
2Reliability
If the assist tool is securely attached to prevent eccentric rotation, then insertion stability is improved, but the external diameter of the insertion section increases
Solution Approach 1:
The assist tool is nested within the insertion section such that the tube containing the assist tool fits through the lumen of the insertion section. This nesting arrangement allows secure attachment while maintaining a compact overall diameter, as the assist tool shares the insertion section's external envelope rather than adding to it.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking engagement occurs in the radial dimension through convex-concave portion interaction, while the longitudinal dimension maintains flexibility for insertion. By resolving the stability requirement in the radial dimension through geometric interlocking, the design preserves flexibility in the longitudinal dimension without increasing external diameter.
3Productivity
If the tube is rotated around the insertion section with drive force transmission, then assist function is improved, but flexibility to navigate serpentine cavities is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The connection between the tube and insertion section is designed to allow controlled rotation around the longitudinal axis while maintaining flexibility for bending in other directions. This dynamic connection enables the assist tool to rotate for its function while the insertion section retains adaptability to navigate serpentine body cavities through independent bending movements.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotational and flexible functions are separated into different degrees of freedom: rotation around the longitudinal axis is enabled for assist functionality, while bending flexibility in radial directions is preserved for navigation. This segmentation of motion types allows both requirements to be satisfied simultaneously.
Data Source
AI summary
An assist tool attachable to an insertion section of an insertion apparatus includes a tube including a longitudinal axis. The tube is provided with a lumen through which the insertion section is insertable. The tool includes a connecting mechanism. The connecting mechanism receives a drive force and is rotated together with the tube with respect to the insertion section inserted through the lumen. The tool includes a locking mechanism provided on a more distal end side than the connecting mechanism in the tube. The locking mechanism includes a convex portion or a concave portion engaged with the insertion section to restrict movement of the tube along the longitudinal axis with respect to the insertion section. Furthermore, an insertion apparatus to which the tool is attached and an introduction apparatus including them is provided.