Endoscope Articulation Backbone With Integrated Pull-Wire Channels
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing endoscopes with bending sections are complex and costly to manufacture, particularly for disposable or single-use models, due to intricate backbone structures and assembly requirements, which can be prohibitive in terms of cost and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
The development of an articulable backbone structure for endoscopes comprising interconnected links with guide channels for pull wires, allowing for four-way bending with a simplified manufacturing process using laser-cut tubes and micro-welding, reducing assembly complexity and costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If traditional intricate backbone structures are used in endoscopes, then bending capability and structural strength are improved, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The backbone is divided into multiple modular link segments that can be independently manufactured and then assembled. Each link segment contains integrated guide channels for pull wires, eliminating the need for separate guide tube components. This segmentation allows for simplified manufacturing of individual parts while maintaining the overall structural integrity and bending capability of the endoscope.
2Reliability
If complex assembly processes are used to ensure robust bending sections, then operational reliability is improved, but manufacturing efficiency and cost decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The guide channels for pull wires are merged directly into the body of each link segment during the laser-cutting process. This integration eliminates the need for separate assembly steps to install guide tubes or channels, thereby simplifying the manufacturing process and increasing production efficiency while ensuring that the bending section maintains its structural reliability during operation.
3Stability of the object's composition
If traditional manufacturing methods are used for bending sections, then structural integrity is maintained, but production cost and time increase
Solution Approach 1:
Traditional mechanical machining and assembly processes are replaced with laser-cutting technology to manufacture the link segments. The laser-cutting process directly creates the intricate geometries and integrated guide channels in the link segments without requiring multiple mechanical machining steps or post-assembly operations, thereby maintaining structural integrity while significantly improving ease of manufacture and reducing production time.
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 solution enables the production of endoscopes with robust, efficiently assembled bending sections that can withstand operational stresses, while being economically viable for disposable or single-use applications, facilitating design and assembly processes.
Implementation Method 1
laser-cut tubes
Implementation Method 2
micro-welding
Data Source
AI summary
A backbone for use in an endoscope can include a plurality of links of which adjacent pairs are interconnected with each other. Each of the plurality of links can include an inner link segment and an outer link segment. One of the inner link segment and the outer link segment can include a pivot member and a socket. The other of the inner link segment and the outer link segment can include a locking member and a recess. The pivot member of a first link of the plurality of links can be received into the socket of a second link of the plurality of links. The locking member of the first link can be received into the recess of the second link.