Articulated Endoscope Bending Section With Guided Pull-Wire Support
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing endoscope bending sections face issues with pull-wires slipping into gaps between the working channel tube and the circular wall part, compromising bending performance, and the centrally arranged hinge part limits the diameter of the working channel.
Innovation Solution
An articulated bending section body with coil springs accommodated in the lumens, guiding and protecting pull-wires, preventing slippage and allowing a self-aligned configuration, while maintaining a single central passage for manufacturing efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a centrally arranged hinge part is used in the bending section, then the structure is simplified and manufacturing is easier, but the diameter of the working channel is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The bending section is divided into multiple articulated segments (first segment, second segment, third segment) connected by hinge members. This segmentation allows the working channel to pass through multiple segments rather than being constrained by a single central hinge, thereby increasing the effective diameter and cross-sectional area of the working channel while maintaining manufacturing simplicity through modular assembly.
2Device complexity
If pull-wires are accommodated in the bending section without guidance, then the structure is simpler, but the pull-wires slip into gaps causing wear and compromising bending performance
Solution Approach 1:
Guide members are introduced as intermediary elements between the pull-wires and the gaps in the bending section structure. These guide members prevent the pull-wires from slipping into the gaps between segments, thereby protecting the pull-wires from wear and tear while maintaining the overall simplicity of the device structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The guide members are positioned in advance to prevent pull-wire slippage before wear can occur. By providing this protective mechanism beforehand, the system prevents harmful effects (wear and compromised bending performance) rather than addressing them after they occur.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the elongated insertion cord is subjected to substantial forces during navigation, then the endoscope can reach tortuous paths, but the forces may damage the cord or reduce its flexibility
Solution Approach 1:
The insertion cord is divided into modular segments with articulated bending sections. This segmentation allows each segment to absorb and distribute mechanical forces independently, preventing stress concentration that could damage the cord. The modular structure enables the cord to navigate tortuous paths while maintaining durability through controlled flexibility in each segment.
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
The coil springs effectively guide and protect pull-wires, reducing wear and ensuring smooth bending performance, while allowing for a larger working channel diameter and improved manufacturing precision.
Implementation Method 1
said cross-sectional shape comprises at least one outwardly extending lobe in which a coil spring is accommodated
Implementation Method 2
The coil springs effectively guide and protect pull-wires, reducing wear and ensuring smooth bending performance, while allowing for a larger working channel diameter and improved manufacturing precision
Data Source
AI summary
An endoscope having an articulated bending section body including a number of segments, the segments having a central passage adapted in cross-sectional shape to receive and support the exterior surface of a bendable tubular member providing a working channel of the endoscope. The cross-sectional shape includes a number of sectors of a circular periphery having a shared center and the same radius, the total length of said sectors being longer than half of said circular periphery, so as to provide said support for the exterior of the bendable tubular member providing the working channel of the endoscope. The cross-sectional shape includes at least one outwardly extending lobe in which a coil spring is accommodated.