External Endoscope Mechanism for Smooth Bending Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing endoscope designs face difficulties in smoothly switching between rotary operations of main and sub bending operation devices due to their spaced-apart arrangement, leading to a large load on the user's fingers and cumbersome operation.
Innovation Solution
An external mechanism for the endoscope featuring a bending wheel engaging with the bending operation knob, driven by a motor, housed in a detachable housing case with a mounting restricting member that prevents incorrect mounting, allowing for easier operation and reduced finger load by integrating with the existing operation section.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the sub bending operation device is disposed on the proximal end side of the operation section in a spaced-apart manner from the main bending operation device, then the bending portions can be operated independently, but it becomes difficult to smoothly switch rotary operations and a large load is applied to the user's fingers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the sub bending operation device with the main bending operation device into a single integrated operation section. The sub operation knob is positioned adjacent to the main operation knob, allowing both bending operations to be performed from the same location. This merging eliminates the need to switch between separately disposed devices, enabling smooth operation transitions and reducing finger load while maintaining independent control capability.
2Ease of operation
If the operation knobs are disposed close together, then switching between operations becomes smoother, but the structure becomes more compact and may interfere with operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by providing operation restricting portions at specific locations on the operation section. These restricting portions are positioned to prevent the sub operation knob from rotating when the main operation knob is being operated, and vice versa. This localized restriction mechanism allows the knobs to be disposed close together for smooth switching while preventing operational interference through spatial control.
Data Source
AI summary
An external mechanism for endoscope includes a bending wheel, a motor, a housing case, a case detachably fixing member, and a mounting restricting member obstructing mounting of a housing case on a sub operation section by interfering with a second bending upward and downward fixing lever in a state where the second bending upward and downward fixing lever is at a position other than a release position.