Electric Bending Operation Device for Endoscope Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing medical endoscopes with manual or electric bending mechanisms face challenges in operability and precision, particularly in navigating complex bodily structures, as they require manual operation of bending knobs and lack intuitive feedback on bending angles and orientations.
Innovation Solution
An electric bending operation device mounted on a medical instrument for observation, featuring a rotation mechanism and insertion portion operation section with rods and a twisting operation portion, allowing for precise control of bending portions and providing visual feedback on bending states through rod positions, and an insertion portion mounting mechanism that securely holds and advances the endoscope.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual bending knobs are used to control the bending portion, then the device structure remains simple, but the operability and precision of bending control deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical bending knob system with an electric bending operation device that uses a rotation mechanism and rod system. The rotating rod (31) and second rod (32) with universal joints convert rotational input into precise bending control of the bending portion (15), substituting manual knob operation with an automated mechanical-electrical system that improves operability while maintaining structural efficiency.
2Measurement precision
If electric bending mechanism is introduced to improve bending precision, then the control precision improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the bending control function into segmented components: the rotating rod (31) for primary bending control, the second rod (32) with universal joints for directional control, and the connection to the bending portion (15). This segmentation allows each component to perform a specific function with high precision while keeping the overall structure manageable and maintainable.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a three-dimensional control mechanism using universal joints that allow rotation about multiple axes. The second rod (32) connects to the bending portion through universal joints, enabling bending control in multiple directions (up-down, left-right) from a single rotation input, thereby achieving precise multi-dimensional bending control without proportionally increasing structural complexity.
3Ease of operation
If the operator needs to grasp the insertion portion for operation, then the insertion portion control is direct, but the operator cannot simultaneously operate other functions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an electric bending operation device as an intermediary between the operator and the endoscope functions. The operator grasps this separate operation device (which includes the rotation mechanism and rods) rather than the insertion portion itself, allowing the insertion portion to remain stationary while bending control is transmitted through the mechanical linkage. This intermediary structure enables simultaneous operation of multiple functions without requiring the operator to release the insertion portion.
Data Source
AI summary
An electric bending operation device can be mounted to an insertion portion of a medical instrument for observation including an electric bending portion. The electric bending operation device may include: an insertion portion mounting mechanism; a rotation mechanism; an insertion portion operation section; and a support column.