Endoscope Bent State Holding Mechanism Using Radial Plate Spring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional endoscope bent state holding mechanisms are bulky, affecting operability, and face issues with frictional resistance variability, heat sensitivity, and durability due to the use of soft materials like rubber or cork, which also complicates the installation of additional mechanisms like torque limiting systems.
Innovation Solution
A bent state holding mechanism utilizing a radial plate spring made of resilient metal with radial projections and an annular metal disk with an umbrella-like beveled pressure surface, allowing for precise frictional resistance control and miniaturization, enhancing heat resistance and durability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a frictional disk made of soft material such as rubber or cork is used, then frictional resistance can be produced, but the mechanism becomes great in thickness and size
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter from soft materials (rubber, cork) to metal, and changes the geometric parameter from disk shape to radial plate spring shape. This transformation maintains the frictional resistance function while dramatically reducing the thickness and overall size of the mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a composite structure combining a radial plate spring (resilient metal) with an annular friction member (metal). This composite metal structure replaces the traditional soft material disk, achieving both compact size and reliable frictional resistance through the synergistic combination of resilient deformation and friction.
2Reliability
If a frictional disk made of rubber or cork is used, then frictional resistance can be produced, but the magnitude of frictional resistance varies greatly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material from soft materials with variable friction properties to metal, which provides consistent and predictable frictional resistance. The radial plate spring design ensures uniform pressure distribution across the contact surface, eliminating the variability inherent in soft material disks.
3Reliability
If a frictional disk made of rubber or cork is used, then frictional resistance can be produced, but the mechanism is vulnerable to heat and deterioration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a composite metal structure consisting of a radial plate spring and an annular friction member. Both components are made of metal, which provides superior heat resistance and durability compared to soft materials. This composite metal design eliminates the vulnerability to heat and aging that plagues rubber or cork frictional disks.
4Length of stationary object
If the bent state holding mechanism is made compact, then the bendable portion control knob can be miniaturized, but frictional resistance may become unstable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a composite metal structure (radial plate spring + annular friction member) that maintains stable frictional resistance even in a compact configuration. The metal-to-metal contact provides consistent friction characteristics, unlike soft materials that deform and vary in friction properties when compressed into small spaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the geometric parameters by using a radial plate spring with multiple radial projections instead of a traditional disk. This design allows for compact packaging while maintaining adequate contact area for stable frictional resistance. The radial projections distribute the contact pressure evenly, ensuring consistent frictional characteristics in the miniaturized mechanism.
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
The solution enables a compact endoscope design with stable and consistent frictional resistance, improving operability and allowing for the integration of additional mechanisms like torque limiting systems, while maintaining high durability and resistance to aging and heat.
Implementation Method 1
at least two frictional resistance producing members which rotate relative to each other upon operation of the bendable portion control mechanism, to exert a frictional resistance for holding the bendable portion at any operated position
Data Source
AI summary
A bent state holding mechanism for an endoscope which includes a control portion and an insertion portion extending therefrom, the insertion portion having a bendable portion at a distal end thereof, including a bendable portion control mechanism provided on the control portion, which is operated to bend the bendable portion, and at least two frictional resistance producing members which rotate relative to each other upon operation of the bendable portion control mechanism, to exert a frictional resistance for holding the bendable portion at any operated position. The two frictional resistance producing members include a radial plate spring made of resilient metal which includes a ring portion and a plurality of radial projections which project radially outwards from the ring portion; and an annular friction member having a pressure surface which is brought to be pressed obliquely against flat surfaces of the plurality of radial projections.