Endoscope Bending Section Locking Disc for Steering Wire
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing endoscopes face issues with the steering wire cutting into the bending section and breaking or tearing due to the material properties and complex assembly processes, particularly in single-use models.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a separate locking disc made of a harder material at the distal end of the bending section, with steering wire lumen openings and locking openings to secure the steering wire, preventing cutting and enhancing assembly by forming a W-shaped loop.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the steering wire is fixed directly to the molded polymer bending section, then the assembly process is simpler, but the steering wire may cut into the bending section and break
Solution Approach 1:
A separate locking disc made of harder material (e.g., metal) is introduced as an intermediary component between the steering wire and the polymer bending section. The disc receives the steering wire through its center opening and secures it using locking openings, preventing the wire from cutting into the softer polymer material while maintaining assembly simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The endoscope bending section combines multiple materials with different properties: a polymer material for the flexible bending section and a harder material (metal or harder polymer) for the locking disc. This composite structure allows the steering wire to be securely locked without cutting into the material, resolving the contradiction between ease of manufacture and reliability.
2Reliability
If the steering wire is threaded through holes in the bending section wall, then the wire can be secured, but the assembly process becomes complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The locking function is segmented from the bending section by introducing a separate locking disc component. The disc contains dedicated openings for wire reception and locking, simplifying the overall assembly process while maintaining reliable steering wire fixation. The disc acts as an independent modular component that can be easily assembled into the bending section.
3Reliability
If the steering wire forms a loop at the distal end of the bending section, then the wire can be locked, but the wire may break due to stress concentration
Solution Approach 1:
The locking disc serves as an intermediary that distributes the mechanical stress from the steering wire loop across its harder material structure. The wire passes through the center opening and is secured by locking openings, preventing stress concentration at the loop formation point and reducing the risk of wire breaking while maintaining reliable locking.
Data Source
AI summary
An endoscope includes a distal tip unit, a handle, a shaft including a bending section made of a first material, and a steering wire for controlling a bending movement of the bending section. The bending section has segments, an inner lumen accommodating a working channel, and steering wire lumens adapted for accommodating the steering wire. The endoscope further includes a disc made of a second material which is different from the first material. The disc is arranged at a distal end of the bending section adjacent a lumen end of the steering wire lumens and has a plurality of openings including steering wire lumen openings configured for guiding the steering wire coming from the steering wire lumens therethrough, and locking openings configured for threading or twisting the steering wire therethrough. The steering wire is locked to the disc by the threading or twisting of the steering wire through the openings.