Endoscope Bending Mechanism Traction Member Engagement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing endoscope bending mechanisms face challenges in efficient assembly and maintenance due to complex configurations and the risk of traction members detaching from rotary members, which complicates the bending operation and affects the device's usability.
Innovation Solution
The endoscope design incorporates a plate-shaped member with protrusions and positioning parts to securely position and engage traction members with rotary members, ensuring they remain connected during assembly and operation, enhancing assemblability and preventing detachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a complex bending mechanism with multiple components is used to ensure reliable engagement of traction members with rotary members, then the reliability of engagement is improved, but the device complexity increases and assembly becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The bending mechanism is divided into modular components: rotary members with engagement protrusions, plate members with corresponding engagement structures, and traction members. Each component is designed to independently perform its function while being easily assembled with other components through the engagement structures, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The plate member is positioned to overlap with the rotary member in the axial direction, creating a nested arrangement where the engagement protrusion of one component fits into the engagement structure of another. This nested configuration ensures reliable engagement while compacting the overall structure and reducing the number of separate parts needed.
2Reliability
If a complex bending mechanism with multiple components is used to ensure reliable engagement of traction members with rotary members, then the reliability of engagement is improved, but the ease of manufacture deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The engagement protrusions and engagement structures are pre-formed as integral features of the rotary members and plate members during manufacturing. This preliminary formation of engagement features eliminates the need for separate assembly steps to create these critical connection elements, making the overall assembly process simpler while ensuring reliable engagement from the start.
Solution Approach 2:
The engagement protrusion and engagement structure are designed to automatically align and engage with each other when the rotary member and plate member are positioned in the axial direction. This self-aligning, self-engaging mechanism eliminates the need for complex alignment procedures or additional fastening operations during assembly, improving ease of manufacture while maintaining engagement reliability.
3Device complexity
If the traction member is allowed to detach from the rotary member during operation, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability of bending operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The engagement protrusion and engagement structure are designed in advance to prevent detachment of the traction member from the rotary member during bending operations. The protrusion-fit configuration creates a mechanical interlock that resists outward forces, preliminarily counteracting any tendency for the traction member to detach during use, thereby ensuring reliable bending operation without adding complex retention mechanisms.
4Reliability
If positioning structures such as protrusions and insertion holes are added to secure the rotary member and traction member, then the reliability of engagement is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning function is merged into the existing engagement structures. The engagement protrusion and engagement structure serve dual purposes: they provide the mechanical connection between components and simultaneously act as positioning elements that ensure correct alignment. This merging of functions eliminates the need for separate positioning structures, maintaining reliability while avoiding additional complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The engagement protrusion and engagement structure are designed to perform multiple functions: connection, positioning, and alignment. This multi-functional design ensures reliable engagement and correct positioning of the rotary member and plate member without requiring additional dedicated positioning components, thereby improving reliability without increasing overall structural complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
An endoscope including: a bending portion; a first traction member and a second traction member that causes the bending portion to bend; a first rotary member that pulls the first traction member; a first plate member on which the first rotary member and the first traction member are disposed; a first protrusion; a first positioning part that comes into contact with the first rotary member; a second rotary member that pulls the second traction member; a second plate member; a second protrusion; and a second positioning part that comes into contact with the second rotary member.