Endoscope Control System for Bending Precision
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing endoscope systems face challenges in precisely controlling the bending of the insertion part to maintain the target object within the viewing angle, especially when inserting medical instruments, due to limitations in bending angle calculation and instrument channel curvature management.
Innovation Solution
The endoscope system incorporates a flexible insertion part with a bending part that can be operated by driving motors, a position detection mechanism, and a control unit that generates driving signals to adjust the bending angle and curvature of the instrument channel, ensuring the target remains within the viewing field.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the bending part is operated to change the curvature of the instrument channel, then the target object can be positioned within the viewing angle, but the complexity of the control system increases due to multiple driving parts and coordination requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit integrates the control of multiple driving parts (first driving part for bending, second driving part for pushing) into a unified control system. The control unit calculates bending angles and coordinates the operation of both driving parts simultaneously, merging multiple control functions into a single integrated controller that manages the complex interactions between bending and pushing operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates position detection mechanisms that provide feedback to the control unit about the current state of the insertion part and instrument channel. The control unit uses this feedback information to calculate appropriate bending angles and adjust the operation of driving parts in real-time, enabling precise positioning through continuous monitoring and adjustment.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple driving parts are used to control bending and pushing operations, then the operational flexibility is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to the need for coordinated control of multiple components
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit combines the control functions for bending (first driving part) and pushing (second driving part) operations into a single integrated control interface. This allows the operator to control multiple driving parts through one unified system, reducing the cognitive load and operational complexity despite having multiple actuators working in coordination.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit automatically calculates the required bending angles and coordinates the operation of multiple driving parts based on the detected position and operational requirements. The system performs self-coordination of the multiple driving parts without requiring manual synchronization by the operator, thereby maintaining operational flexibility while simplifying the ease of operation.
3Measurement precision
If the bending angle is precisely calculated and controlled, then the target object remains within the captured image, but the device complexity increases due to the need for precise angle calculation and coordination mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit continuously receives feedback on the bending angle and position of the insertion part, using this information to calculate and adjust the required bending angle in real-time. This feedback mechanism enables precise angle control without requiring overly complex mechanical adjustment mechanisms, as the precision is achieved through active control based on sensed information.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces complex mechanical angle adjustment mechanisms with an electronic control system that calculates and controls the bending angle. The control unit uses computational algorithms to determine the precise bending angle needed, substituting mechanical complexity with electronic calculation and control, thereby achieving high precision with reduced mechanical complexity.
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 precise control of the bending part to maintain the target object within the viewing angle, facilitating easier insertion of medical instruments and improving operational efficiency during procedures.
Implementation Method 1
a first driving part configured to operate the bending part to be bent with respect to a distal end portion of the flexible tube part
Implementation Method 2
a second driving part provided at a distal end portion of the tubular body to drive the flexible tube part inserted into the insertion part channel toward a proximal end portion with respect to the tubular body
Data Source
AI summary
An endoscope system of the present invention includes a control part has a computation part which computes the radius of curvature of the central axis of the instrument channel when the input signal is received and, may generate the first driving signal according to a result of the computation part computing the radius of curvature so that a treatment instrument at which a rigid part is provided to be easily inserted into a channel while a view of an observation part is limited from deviating from an object to be treated, even when a radius of curvature of a bending part is small while the bending part is bent.