Endoscope Bending Tube with Nested Segments and Net Cover
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional endoscopes with bending portions face challenges in insertability due to irregularities and larger diameters, which hinder their ability to navigate through limited spaces effectively.
Innovation Solution
A bending tube for endoscopes featuring a series of pivotally joined bending pieces covered by a soft outer layer, with a net-like tube covering most pieces except the distal and proximal ends, ensuring a uniform outer diameter and smooth shape, reducing irregularities and enhancing insertability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional bending portions are used in endoscopes, then the bending function is achieved, but the outer diameter is larger and irregularities occur on the outer surface, reducing insertability
Solution Approach 1:
The bending portion is divided into multiple discrete bending pieces (first bending piece, second bending piece, third bending piece) that can pivot independently relative to each other. This segmentation allows the bending tube to achieve flexibility while maintaining a more uniform outer diameter, as each segment can be optimized individually and the joints are internal rather than external irregularities
Solution Approach 2:
The bending pieces are nested within each other in a telescopic arrangement, with each bending piece having a smaller outer diameter than the previous one. The net-like tube covers these nested bending pieces, creating a uniform outer surface. This nested structure allows the bending function to be achieved while maintaining a consistent outer diameter that improves insertability
2Strength
If bending pieces with larger outer diameters are used, then the structural strength is maintained, but the insertion portion diameter is increased, hindering navigation through limited spaces
Solution Approach 1:
The bending pieces are designed with asymmetric outer diameters, where each subsequent bending piece has a smaller outer diameter than the previous one (first bending piece > second bending piece > third bending piece). This asymmetric design allows the distal end to have sufficient structural strength while the overall insertion portion maintains a smaller effective diameter for better navigability
Solution Approach 2:
Different bending pieces have different outer diameters optimized for their specific locations and functions. The first bending piece near the distal end has a larger diameter for strength, while subsequent pieces have progressively smaller diameters. This local optimization allows the insertion portion to navigate limited spaces effectively while maintaining necessary structural integrity where required
3Ease of operation
If the soft outer covering is exposed at bending piece joints, then the bending flexibility is enhanced, but the outer surface irregularities increase and the covering may be damaged
Solution Approach 1:
A net-like tube is introduced as an intermediary component that covers the bending pieces and their joints. This net-like tube protects the soft outer covering from damage while allowing the bending pieces to pivot freely, maintaining bending flexibility. The net-like tube acts as a protective intermediary between the mechanical joints and the soft outer covering
Solution Approach 2:
The net-like tube is pre-installed to cover the bending pieces before the soft outer covering is applied. This preliminary action ensures that the joints are protected from the outset, preventing irregularities and damage to the soft outer covering while allowing full bending flexibility to be achieved
Data Source
AI summary
A bending tube for an endoscope, which is provided inside a bending portion of an insertion portion of an endoscope and includes a plurality of bending pieces covered by a flexible tube body, the bending tube including a distalmost end bending piece connected to a distal end portion of an insertion portion, a proximalmost end bending piece connected to a flexible tube portion of the insertion portion, and a net-like tube covering an outer periphery of the plurality of bending pieces except the distalmost end bending piece and the proximalmost end bending piece and including a distal end part fixed to a first bending piece joined to the distalmost end bending piece and a proximal end part fixed to a second bending piece joined to the proximalmost end bending piece.