Disposable Endoscope Handle Section With Curved Traction Path

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing endoscope designs face high operational and fabrication costs due to complex connecting processes between disposable and reusable parts, and the need for multiple force transmission components, which increases difficulty and risk of damage during assembly.

Innovation Solution

A disposable section of the endoscope handle featuring a housing with a first curved movement path and a rotating wheel for traction wires, reducing the number of components and simplifying the assembly process by using a single connecting portion for synchronized movement of traction wires, and eliminating the need for pulley block mechanisms.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the handle is divided into disposable and reusable parts, then cost is reduced, but the connecting process becomes complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecost reductionVSAvoidconnecting process complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The handle is divided into disposable section (housing with transmission assembly) and reusable section, allowing cost reduction through selective replacement while maintaining overall system functionality

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The complex pulley block mechanisms are extracted and replaced with a simplified connecting portion design that directly connects traction wires to the housing, eliminating unnecessary intermediate components

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Ease of operation

If multiple force transmission components are used, then bending control is improved, but the number of components increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebending controlVSAvoidnumber of components

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Pulley block mechanisms are extracted and removed from the design, replacing them with direct connection of traction wires to the housing through the curved movement path, significantly reducing component count

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

A curved movement path is introduced for the connecting portion, allowing the traction wires to achieve synchronized movement and larger bending angles through curved geometry rather than multiple pulley components

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

3Force

If pulley block mechanisms are used, then force transmission is improved, but friction and wear increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveforce transmissionVSAvoidfriction and wear

Core Design Contradiction:

ForceVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

Pulley block mechanisms are completely removed from the design, eliminating the sources of friction and wear associated with pulley blocks while maintaining force transmission functionality

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The mechanical pulley block system is replaced with a curved movement path mechanism where the connecting portion moves along a predetermined curved trajectory, reducing friction through smoother motion

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 allows for a larger bending angle with reduced friction and wear, lowers production costs, and simplifies the assembly process by minimizing the number of components and connections, thereby enhancing operational efficiency and reducing the risk of damage.

Implementation Method 1

reducing the number of components and simplifying the assembly process by using a single connecting portion for synchronized movement of traction wires, and eliminating the need for pulley block mechanisms

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentEP4410178B1Disposable section of endoscope handle, endoscope handle, and endoscope

Publication Date: 2025.07.30 HUNAN VATHIN MEDICAL INSTR CO LTD

Figure 1A
Figure 2D
Figure 3B

AI summary

A disposable section (10) of an endoscope handle, an endoscope handle, and an endoscope are applied to the technical field of endoscopy, including a housing (100) which includes a proximal end provided with a connecting portion, where the connecting portion is configured to be detachably connected to a reusable section (20) of the handle; and a first transmission assembly including a first traction wire (111), a second traction wire (112), and a first connecting portion (13), where a proximal end surface of the housing (100) forms a first curved movement path; the first curved movement path is orthogonal to an axial direction of the proximal end surface and located at a periphery of the proximal end surface of the housing (100); and the first connecting portion (13) is movable along the first curved movement path. Compared to a linear movement path, the first curved movement path can provide a longer movement path within the same planar area. Thus, the first connecting portion (13) can drive the first traction wire (111) and the second traction wire (112) to move for a longer distance, providing a larger bending angle for an active bending section (12).