Cable Latching Mechanism for Endoscope Connection Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cable connection structures for medical and industrial endoscopes face reliability issues due to shifting or stripping of core wires during deformation, leading to unstable connections between cables and circuit boards.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a coaxial cable with a latching portion fixed to the core wire, which is latched onto the inner insulation layer, providing mechanical stability and preventing shifting or stripping, even under load, thereby enhancing the connection reliability between the cable and the circuit board.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the core wire is simply inserted into the insulation layer without a latching mechanism, then the cable structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the core wire shifts or strips during deformation leading to unstable connections
Solution Approach 1:
The cable structure is segmented into distinct functional components: the core wire, the insulation layer with exposing portion, and the latching portion. The latching portion is further divided into a latching protrusion that engages with the insulation layer and a holding section that secures the core wire. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function while maintaining overall structural integrity and connection stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The latching portion is nested within the exposing portion of the insulation layer, with the latching protrusion fitting into the exposing portion like a nested structure. The core wire is then inserted through the latching portion, creating a nested arrangement where the latching portion is surrounded by the insulation layer while holding the core wire securely. This nested configuration provides stable connection without requiring additional external components.
2Reliability
If the core wire is firmly fixed to prevent shifting, then connection reliability improves, but the cable becomes more complex and harder to manufacture
Solution Approach 1:
The insulation layer is pre-formed with an exposing portion that protrudes from the main body before the core wire is inserted. The latching portion is also pre-shaped with a latching protrusion designed to fit into this exposing portion. This preliminary preparation of the insulation layer and latching portion structure allows for easy assembly during manufacturing, as the components are designed to fit together like a pre-prepared interface, reducing manufacturing complexity while ensuring firm fixation.
3Productivity
If the cable structure is simplified for easy manufacturing, then production efficiency increases, but the core wire becomes unstable under load conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The latching portion is designed to automatically secure the core wire through its latching protrusion that engages with the exposing portion of the insulation layer. Once the core wire is inserted, the latching structure self-locks without requiring additional fastening steps or external components. This self-service mechanism ensures connection stability while maintaining manufacturing simplicity, as the structure secures itself during the insertion process without requiring separate fixation operations.
Data Source
AI summary
A cable includes: a core wire that is electrically conductive; a first inner insulation layer that covers an outer periphery of the core wire and has an exposing portion that exposes the core wire at a distal end side of the first inner insulation layer; and a first latching portion that is fixed to the core wire in the exposing portion, and is latched onto the first inner insulation layer and holds the core wire by coming into contact with the first inner insulation layer.