Endoscope Bending Tube with Variable Slit Intervals
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Solution Overview
Problem
Endoscopes face challenges in navigating complex body cavities, such as bronchi, due to limitations in the bending mechanism of their distal and proximal bending portions, which affect the ease of insertion and operability.
Innovation Solution
A bending portion for endoscopes comprising a distal end bending tube with pivotably coupled bending pieces and a proximal end bending tube with a hyperelastic alloy, where the operation wire actively bends both sections, allowing for controlled curvature and improved insertion properties by differing bending moments and slit configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a conventional bending tube with uniform slit intervals is used, then the bending portion can be operated, but the distal end cannot curve first which reduces insertion ease into branched bronchi
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by varying the slit interval lengths at different positions along the bending tube. Specifically, the slit intervals in the center region are made longer than those in the distal end side region, creating different bending characteristics at different locations. This allows the distal end to curve more easily while maintaining controllable bending throughout the tube.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the geometric parameter of slit intervals along the length of the bending tube. By making the slit intervals non-uniform (longer in the center region, shorter at the distal end), the bending moment distribution is altered to enable the distal end to curve first during insertion, improving navigation into branched bronchi.
2Ease of operation
If the distal end bending tube has higher flexibility to curve first, then insertion into branched bronchi is improved, but the proximal end bending tube requires greater bending moment which increases operation complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The bending tube is segmented into different regions with different slit interval characteristics. The distal end side region has shorter slit intervals providing higher flexibility for curving first, while the center region has longer slit intervals requiring greater bending moment. This segmentation allows each region to perform its specific function independently.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the bending tube are given different local qualities through varying slit interval lengths. The distal end region has shorter intervals for ease of curving, while the proximal end region has longer intervals for controlled bending, creating a gradient of bending characteristics throughout the tube.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enhances the ability to easily insert and maneuver the endoscope into complex body cavities by allowing the distal end to curve first, improving operability and reducing the risk of contact with the cavity wall, thereby minimizing discomfort and improving insertion properties.
Implementation Method 1
the operation wire actively bending the distal end side bending tube and the proximal end side bending tube by pulling and relaxing
Implementation Method 2
a bending element with a bending moment for obtaining a predetermined bending angle greater than a bending moment of the distal end side bending tube
Data Source
AI summary
A bending portion for endoscope includes: a distal end side bending tube in which a plurality of bending pieces are continuously and pivotably coupled; a proximal end side bending tube coupled to a proximal end side of the distal end side bending tube and including a bending element with a bending moment for obtaining a predetermined bending angle greater than a bending moment of the distal end side bending tube; and an operation wire actively bending the distal end side bending tube and the proximal end side bending tube by pulling and relaxing, wherein pulling and relaxing of the operation wire actively bend the distal end side bending tube and the proximal end side bending tube.