Endoscope Bendable Member with Integral Living Hinges
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing endoscope articulating members are complex and costly to manufacture, making them unsuitable for low-cost endoscopy systems, including single-use systems.
Innovation Solution
A bendable member for imaging endoscopes comprising a sheath portion with integrally formed living hinge elements and a spine portion with radially extending spacer segments, allowing for coaxial arrangement and easier assembly, with customizable bending response and reduced manufacturing complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional articulating members are used in endoscopes, then the endoscope can achieve adequate steering and flexibility, but the manufacturing complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The bendable member is divided into multiple modular segments (first bendable segment, second bendable segment, etc.), each with its own articulation mechanism. This segmentation allows each segment to be manufactured independently using simpler processes while maintaining overall steering capability when assembled together.
Solution Approach 2:
The articulation mechanism employs nested structures where inner components are housed within outer components. For example, the articulation joint body contains internal articulation elements that provide bending capability without requiring complex external mechanisms, reducing overall manufacturing complexity.
2Ease of operation
If conventional articulating members are used in endoscopes, then the endoscope can achieve adequate steering and flexibility, but the manufacturing cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
By dividing the bendable member into separate segments with standardized articulation mechanisms, the design enables modular manufacturing. This allows for economies of scale in producing individual segments and reduces tooling costs compared to manufacturing a single complex articulated structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The articulation mechanism uses adjustable parameters such as the number of segments, the angle of articulation joints, and the dimensions of individual segments. These parameters can be modified to match specific clinical requirements without requiring complete redesign, thereby reducing development and tooling costs.
3Ease of operation
If conventional articulating members are used in endoscopes, then the endoscope can achieve adequate steering and flexibility, but the assembly process becomes more complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The segmented design allows each bendable segment to be pre-assembled and tested independently before final integration into the endoscope. This modular approach simplifies the overall assembly process and enables parallel manufacturing of multiple segments, improving production throughput.
Solution Approach 2:
The articulation mechanisms are pre-configured within each bendable segment during manufacturing, with control cables and joints pre-positioned. This preliminary assembly of critical components reduces the complexity of final integration and minimizes assembly time during endoscope production.
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
The solution reduces the complexity and cost of manufacturing endoscope insertion sections while providing improved performance and ease of assembly, enabling more efficient and cost-effective production of endoscope systems.
Implementation Method 1
a sheath portion comprising a series of sheath ring segments formed integrally with sheath living hinge elements, the sheath portion being bendable by bending of the sheath living hinge elements
Data Source
AI summary
Various embodiments provide a bendable member for an imaging endoscope and an imaging endoscope incorporating said bendable member. The bendable member comprises a series of constructional elements arranged longitudinally in series along the bendable member and formed integrally with a plurality of living hinge elements that permit bending between adjacent constructional elements, wherein, when the bendable member is straight, a first living hinge element of the plurality of living hinge elements has a different bending stiffness to a second living hinge element of the plurality of living hinge elements.