Endoscope Bending Portion Torsion Resistance Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Endoscopes with bending portions face challenges in diameter reduction and structural simplification while maintaining torsion resistance, as existing rivet-based designs can be cumbersome and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A rivetless bending piece group with a second bending piece that couples to a frame member via rivets, allowing rotational movement to resist torsion, and internal components are arranged within insertion portions to correct their positions, eliminating the need for an outer braid for torsion prevention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a braid is used to cover the outer circumference of the bending piece group to prevent torsion, then torsion resistance is improved, but device complexity and diameter increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the braid covering from the bending piece group, extracting this protective element to achieve diameter reduction and structural simplification. The torsion resistance function is maintained through the rivetless joint ring design and internal component arrangement rather than the external braid.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a frame member as an intermediary structure that provides torsion resistance without requiring a braid. The frame member acts as a mediator between the bending piece group and the external environment, suppressing torsion through its rigid structure while allowing the bending piece group to maintain its simplified design.
2Strength
If rivets are used to couple bending pieces to maintain structural integrity, then strength is improved, but device complexity and ease of manufacture deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes rivets from the coupling structure, extracting this fastening element to simplify manufacturing. The structural integrity is maintained through alternative coupling methods such as friction fits, interference fits, or integrated coupling designs that eliminate the need for separate rivet components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the coupling function into the joint ring structure itself, combining what were previously separate components (bending pieces, rivets, and coupling structures) into an integrated rivetless design. This merging reduces part count and manufacturing steps while maintaining structural strength.
3Ease of operation
If the diameter of the bending portion is reduced for better insertion, then ease of operation is improved, but strength and stability worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality enhancement by concentrating structural strength where needed. The frame member and coupling portions are strategically positioned to provide localized torsion resistance and structural support, allowing the overall bending portion diameter to be reduced without compromising critical strength properties.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite structural design combining different materials with complementary properties. The frame member material is selected for high strength-to-weight ratio, and the coupling portions utilize material properties that provide both flexibility for bending and rigidity for torsion resistance, enabling diameter reduction while maintaining strength.
Data Source
AI summary
A bending portion includes: a bending piece group including a plurality of first bending pieces; and a second bending piece including coupling protruding portions for coupling to a coupling frame so as to resist torsion about the longitudinal axis, and including, on a proximal end side, third contact surfaces facing a direction of the longitudinal axis, the second bending piece including inside a second insertion portion for allowing insertion of internal components, the second insertion portion being formed so as to be coincident with the first insertion portion provided in each of the first bending pieces on a same projection plane, the second bending piece being interposed between the coupling frame and the bending piece group such that the third contact surfaces and a distal-most position of the bending piece group are in rotatably contact with each other.