Endoscope Bending Instrument Linking Part Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bending instruments for endoscopes face challenges in accurately setting the length of the extension part, which can be prone to elastic deformation and stress concentration, leading to manufacturing difficulties and potential breakage.
Innovation Solution
A bending instrument for endoscopes is designed where the fixed and sliding parts are moulded as a single piece, with an extended linking part that can be drawn to a specific length, allowing for various shapes and improved strength by making the end portions thicker than the central portion, enabling the length to be freely set and ensuring stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a helical cutaway part is provided on the sheath to form an extension, then the linking part can be formed, but the work involved in producing the extension and producing the cutaway part accurately increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the geometric parameters of the linking part by providing thickness variation along its length. The end portions are made thicker than the central portion, which simplifies the molding process while ensuring accurate formation without requiring complex cutaway operations. This parameter change resolves the contradiction by making the linking part easier to manufacture while maintaining precision.
2Length of moving object
If the extension is formed by a helical cutaway part, then the linking part can be created, but the extension can extend elastically making it difficult to set the length appropriately
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by making the end portions of the linking part thicker than the central portion. This localized thickness variation provides structural reinforcement at the ends while maintaining flexibility in the central region. The thicker ends resist elastic deformation and allow precise length setting, while the overall structure remains flexible enough for its bending function.
3Ease of manufacture
If the main body portion of the sheath and tip end holding part are joined using a thread, then the linking part can be created, but stress is concentrated on the linking part making it likely to break
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the joining function into the molded structure itself by forming the linking part as an integral component with varying thickness. The thicker end portions are built into the molded structure, eliminating the need for separate threading or joining operations. This integration distributes stress more evenly throughout the linking part, preventing stress concentration and reducing the likelihood of breakage.
4Ease of manufacture
If the linking part is made thinner to reduce material, then manufacturing is easier, but the strength decreases making it prone to breakage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by making the end portions of the linking part thicker than the central portion. This localized thickness variation provides structural reinforcement at the ends where stress is most likely to concentrate, while the thinner central portion reduces overall material usage and maintains ease of molding. This resolves the contradiction by optimizing both manufacturability and strength through strategic thickness distribution.
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 design simplifies the manufacturing process, enhances the strength of the linking part, allows for precise adjustment of the endoscope's tip orientation, and reduces the need for sterilization and cleaning, extending the lifespan of the instrument while maintaining observational accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
the extension can extend elastically
Data Source
Figure 1~2(b)
Figure 3(a)~3(b)
Figure 4
AI summary
[Issue] To provide a bending instrument for an endoscope with which an extended linking part for joining a fixed part and a sliding part can be easily formed, while the length thereof can be freely set, and a method of producing the same. [Means of Resolution] A fixed part 11 which is attached to the outer periphery of the tip end of an endoscope 15, a sliding part 12 which is slidably attached further towards the base end of the endoscope 15 than the portion where the fixed part 11 is attached, and a linking part 13c for joining the fixed part 11 and the sliding part 12 are moulded as a single piece. A flexible extended linking part 13 is then formed by extending the linking part 13c of the moulded body 10a to a specific length by drawing, and a bending instrument 10 for an endoscope is obtained, which is used to bend the tip end section of the endoscope 15. Furthermore, expanded-width parts 13a, 13b are formed at both ends of the linking part 13c of the moulded body 10a.