Endoscope Bending Section Cut-Out for Working Channel Routing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing endoscopes face challenges in providing sufficient space for both an optical system and illuminating means at the distal tip unit while maintaining the integrity and stability of the working channel, often requiring additional guide elements that complicate assembly and increase friction and kinking risks.
Innovation Solution
The endoscope design features a bending section with a working channel that gradually transitions from the centerline to the outer circumference, utilizing a continuous cut-out in the inner lumen to accommodate the channel without additional guide elements, ensuring space for optical and illuminating components and reducing kinking and friction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the working channel is positioned at the centerline of the endoscope shaft, then the structural symmetry and manufacturing simplicity are improved, but the space for optical system and illuminating means at the distal tip unit is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The working channel transitions from a central position to an off-center position at the distal tip unit by utilizing the radial dimension. The cut-out in the bending section allows the working channel to be positioned at the outer circumference at the distal end while maintaining structural integrity, thereby creating space for optical components without increasing overall device complexity
2Adaptability or versatility
If additional guide elements are added to guide the working channel from centerline to outer circumference, then the working channel positioning flexibility is improved, but the device complexity and assembly difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The guiding function for the working channel is merged into the bending section structure itself through the cut-out feature. Instead of adding separate guide elements, the cut-out integrates the guiding function directly into the existing bending section, reducing component count and simplifying assembly while maintaining positioning flexibility
Solution Approach 2:
The unnecessary central portion of the bending section material is removed to create the cut-out. This extraction of material creates a natural guide path for the working channel to transition from the centerline to the outer circumference, eliminating the need for additional guide elements and reducing device complexity
3Stability of the object's composition
If the working channel is guided through a conventional path without cut-outs, then the structural integrity of the bending section is maintained, but friction and kinking risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The cut-out is pre-formed in the bending section during manufacturing to create a smooth, predetermined path for the working channel. This preliminary structural preparation ensures that the working channel can transition smoothly from the centerline to the outer circumference without experiencing friction or kinking, while the remaining material maintains structural integrity
Data Source
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AI summary
The present disclosure relates to an endoscope (2) comprising: a distal tip unit (4), a proximal endoscope handle (6), an endoscope shaft (12) comprising a bending section (14), a working channel (18) and a steering wire (32) for controlling a bending movement of the bending section (14). The bending section (14) comprises a plurality of segments (22, 24, 26), flexible hinge members (28) provided between adjacent segments (22, 24, 26), an inner lumen (34) adopted for accommodating the working channel (18) and steering wire lumens (36) adapted for accommodating the steering wire (32). The working channel (18) is gradually/ continuously/ linearly guided away from a position close to a centerline of the endoscope shaft (12) in the bending section (14).