Endoscope Bending Tube Coupling to Reduce Sliding Resistance

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing endoscope bending tubes require skilled operators to minimize sliding resistance during coupling, which can be challenging and affect performance.

Innovation Solution

A novel coupling method for endoscope bending tubes using a first tubular member with a projection and a second tubular member with a turning shaft, where the turning shaft is seated in a hole to allow relative turning, reducing sliding resistance without relying on operator skill.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If rivet bonding is used to couple bending pieces, then the bending tube can be assembled, but skilled operators are required to minimize sliding resistance which increases manufacturing difficulty

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecoupling reliabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing ease

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The coupling structure performs self-alignment through the interaction between the projection on the first tubular member and the hole on the second tubular member. When assembled, the projection automatically guides the turning shaft into proper positioning within the hole, eliminating the need for skilled operators to manually minimize sliding resistance during coupling

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of relying on operator skill to achieve proper coupling alignment, the invention inverts the approach by designing the coupling structure itself to enforce proper alignment through the projection-hole mechanism, where the geometry of the components dictates correct positioning rather than operator technique

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

2Ease of operation

If the turning shaft is seated in the first hole to connect tubular members, then sliding resistance is reduced, but the coupling structure becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebending operation easeVSAvoidcoupling structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The coupling structure is segmented into distinct functional elements: the projection on the first tubular member, the hole on the second tubular member, and the turning shaft. This segmentation allows each element to perform its specific function independently while collectively achieving reduced sliding resistance and smooth bending operation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The turning shaft acts as an intermediary element that connects the first and second tubular members through the hole, facilitating relative turning while reducing sliding resistance. The projection serves as a guiding intermediary that ensures proper positioning of the turning shaft within the hole during assembly

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS12543933B2Bending tube of endoscope, endoscope, and manufacturing method for bending tube of endoscope

Publication Date: 2026.02.10 OLYMPUS MEDICAL SYST CORP

AI summary

A bending tube includes a first tubular member including a first tubular opening and a second tubular member including a second tubular opening. The first tubular member includes a first end portion, a first hole, and a projection on a surface of the first end portion around a periphery of a first end of the first hole. The second tubular member includes a second end portion, a second hole, and a turning shaft projecting from a periphery of a first end of the second hole. The first end portion overlaps the second end portion and the turning shaft is seated in the first hole to connect the first tubular member to the second tubular member. The projection on the surface of the first end portion contacts a surface of the second end portion.