Endoscope Bendable Part Segmented Movable Members
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing endoscope bendable parts face challenges in easy connection and manufacturing efficiency, with existing technologies requiring complex mechanisms and materials that increase costs and complexity.
Innovation Solution
A bendable part for an endoscope comprising a series of tubular movable members with specific protruding and recessed portions that engage and rotate relative to each other, allowing for easy assembly and operation without the need for rivets or complex connecting members, utilizing wires to maintain connection and facilitate bending.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If complex connecting mechanisms are used to join bending pieces, then connection strength and reliability are improved, but device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The bendable part is divided into multiple movable members (first movable member, second movable member, etc.) that can be independently connected and disconnected. Each movable member has standardized engagement portions with recessed and projecting features that simplify connection while maintaining reliability through modular segmentation.
Solution Approach 2:
The engagement portions are designed with nested fitting relationships where recessed portions of one movable member receive projecting portions of adjacent movable members. This nesting arrangement provides secure connection without requiring external fasteners or complex joining mechanisms.
2Strength
If traditional connecting methods (rivets, welding, brazing) are used to attach hinge members, then connection strength is improved, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The engagement portions are integrated directly into the movable members themselves rather than being separate components. The recessed and projecting portions are formed as part of the movable member structure, eliminating the need for separate hinge members and their associated attachment processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The movable members are designed to self-connect through their engagement portions without requiring external fastening operations. The recessed and projecting portions automatically align and engage when movable members are assembled, making the connection process self-servicing and eliminating riveting, welding, or brazing steps.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate components are used to create the bendable part, then adaptability and flexibility are improved, but assembly difficulty and time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The bendable part is segmented into multiple movable members that can be independently positioned and connected. This segmentation enables flexible bending configurations while the standardized engagement portions ensure consistent and simple assembly procedures between each segment.
Solution Approach 2:
All movable members are designed with the same engagement portion configuration (recessed and projecting portions), creating a universal connection interface. This universality allows any movable member to connect with any other movable member in sequence, simplifying assembly while maintaining bending flexibility through the standardized multi-functional connection design.
Data Source
AI summary
A bendable part of an endoscope that is provided in an insertion part of the endoscope, includes: a plurality of movable members that are arranged in an axial direction of the insertion part, each of the movable members includes a body part having a tubular shape, a pair of first protruding portions, and a pair of second protruding portions as defined herein, one of the pair of first protruding portions is provided with a first recessed portion, other of the pair of first protruding portions is provided with a first projecting portion, one of the pair of second protruding portions is provided with a second recessed portion, other of the pair of second protruding portions is provided with a second projecting portion, and one of two adjacent ones of the movable members and other of the two adjacent ones of the movable members are as defined herein.