Endoscope Bending Section Protrusions for Tube Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Disposable EBUS endoscopes face challenges in maintaining the alignment and stability of the working channel tube within the bending section, leading to potential overstressing due to its offset from the hinge plane, which complicates manufacturing and increases costs.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating radially extending protrusions, such as ribs, within the intermediate segments of the bending section to centrally position the working channel tube around the hinge plane, allowing for a smooth curvature and reducing stress on the tube during bending, while being easily integrated into the moulding process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the working channel tube is offset from the hinge plane to allow the ultrasonic transceiver to engage with the bronchial wall, then the ultrasonic imaging capability is improved, but the working channel tube is overstressed during bending
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary structure (the protrusions or ribs on the segment walls) that mediates between the offset working channel tube and the hinge plane. These protrusions provide support and distribution of forces, allowing the tube to remain offset for ultrasonic engagement while preventing overstress during bending operations.
2Reliability
If the working channel tube is offset from the hinge plane, then the ultrasonic transceiver can engage with the bronchial wall, but the alignment and stability of the tube within the bending section deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The protrusions act as intermediary support elements that maintain the working channel tube's position relative to the hinge plane. They provide localized contact points that stabilize the tube's alignment while permitting the necessary offset for ultrasonic transceiver engagement with the bronchial wall.
3Reliability
If the working channel tube is offset from the hinge plane, then the ultrasonic imaging function is achieved, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of making the entire bending section complex to accommodate the offset tube, the patent applies local quality by adding protrusions only at specific locations on the segment walls where needed for tube support. This localized approach achieves the necessary function without uniformly increasing manufacturing complexity throughout the entire bending section.
4Reliability
If the working channel tube is offset from the hinge plane, then the ultrasonic transceiver can look through the bronchial wall, but the insertion and maneuvering difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The protrusions serve as intermediary elements that facilitate the insertion process by providing gradual engagement points for the working channel tube as the bending section is articulated. This mediated approach reduces the sudden stress and difficulty associated with maneuvering an offset tube through the bending hinges.
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 stabilizes the working channel tube's position, reduces manufacturing complexity and costs, and facilitates easier insertion into body cavities by centralizing the tube within the bending section, enhancing the endoscope's maneuverability and image alignment.
Implementation Method 1
at least one of said segments comprises protrusions extending inwardly from said segment wall and adapted to radially engage and urge a working channel tube into a central position around the hinge plane
Data Source
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AI summary
An endoscope where the bending section comprises a number of segments (15) interconnected by hinge members arranged in a hinge plane (B-B), said segments comprising a proximal end segment, a distal end segment and a number of intermediate segments (15). At least one of the segments (15) comprises protrusions (18) that extend inwardly from the segment wall and are adapted to radially engage and urge a working channel tube (17) into a central position around the hinge plane (B-B).