Composite Cable Design for Endoscope Flex Resistance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Composite cables used in endoscopic devices require a small diameter and excellent flex resistance to withstand repeated bending with a small bend radius without breaking.
Innovation Solution
A composite cable design featuring a twisted wire formed by signal lines and power lines arranged concentrically around the twisted wire, with power lines having a smaller diameter than the signal lines, allowing them to surround the signal wire and be twisted together, enhancing flex resistance and reducing diameter.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If signal lines and power lines are twisted together in a mixed state, then the cable structure is simple, but the cable diameter becomes large and flex resistance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The cable is segmented into two distinct structural zones: an inner twisted wire containing only signal lines, and an outer layer containing only power lines arranged concentrically around the twisted wire. This segmentation separates the conflicting requirements, allowing the inner twisted structure to maintain simplicity while the outer concentric arrangement optimizes flex resistance and reduces diameter.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a planar mixed twisting arrangement to a three-dimensional concentric cylindrical structure. The power lines are arranged on the circumference of a circle concentric with the twisted wire, creating a layered spatial configuration that reduces dead space and improves flex resistance while maintaining structural simplicity.
2Device complexity
If signal lines and power lines are twisted together in a mixed state, then the cable structure is simple, but the cable diameter becomes large
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the cable into an inner twisted wire (signal lines) and an outer power line layer, the invention eliminates dead space between mixed-twisted lines. The power lines are tightly arranged concentrically around the twisted wire, maximizing space utilization and reducing overall cable diameter.
Solution Approach 2:
The power lines are nested concentrically around the twisted wire, with the twisted wire positioned at the center and power lines arranged on the circumference of a concentric circle. This nested configuration minimizes the radial distance required and reduces the overall cable diameter.
3Ease of operation
If the cable undergoes repeated bending with a small bend radius, then flexibility is improved, but the power lines break due to stress concentration
Solution Approach 1:
The invention applies different structural configurations to different regions: the inner twisted wire provides flexibility and stress distribution, while the outer power lines are arranged concentrically to experience more uniform stress distribution during bending. This local optimization prevents stress concentration at specific points where power lines might break.
Solution Approach 2:
The concentric arrangement of power lines around the twisted wire creates a protective configuration where the twisted wire acts as a cushioning core. During bending, this structure prevents power lines from being subjected to excessive tensile stress that would cause breakage, thereby providing beforehand protection against damage.
Data Source
AI summary
A composite cable includes a twisted wire formed by twisting a plurality of signal lines, and a plurality of power lines that are arranged on a circumference of a circle concentric with the twisted wire so as to surround an outer circumference of the twisted wire and are twisted around the twisted wire.