Endoscope Bowden Cable Adhesive Handle Integration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing endoscope designs require a large number of mechanical parts to assemble the control mechanism, which increases complexity and cost.

Innovation Solution

The endoscope features a Bowden cable with an outer guide tube affixed to the operating handle using an adhesive, reducing the number of mechanical parts required and simplifying assembly.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If mechanical means are used to clamp or terminate the guide tube in a block member, then the control mechanism is securely assembled, but the number of parts increases and assembly complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol mechanism assembly securityVSAvoidnumber of mechanical parts

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The guide tube is directly integrated into the handle housing as a single piece structure, eliminating the need for separate block members and clamping mechanisms. This merging of components reduces the total part count while maintaining structural integrity and assembly security through the adhesive bonding of the Bowden cable assembly to the handle housing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

Traditional mechanical clamping and termination mechanisms are replaced with adhesive bonding. The adhesive serves as the primary means of securing the guide tube and Bowden cable to the handle housing, substituting complex mechanical fastening systems with a simpler chemical bonding approach that reduces part count and assembly complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If multiple mechanical parts are used to assemble the control mechanism, then secure fastening is achieved, but manufacturing cost and assembly time increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefastening securityVSAvoidassembly simplicity and cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple fastening components are merged into a single integrated handle housing structure with built-in guide tube integration. This consolidation reduces the number of assembly operations required and eliminates the need for multiple fastening hardware items, thereby reducing manufacturing cost and simplifying the assembly process while maintaining secure fastening through adhesive bonding.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

Mechanical fastening systems involving multiple parts are replaced with an adhesive bonding system. This substitution reduces the number of assembly steps, eliminates the need for specialized mechanical fastening hardware, and simplifies manufacturing while achieving equivalent or superior fastening security through the adhesive's bonding properties.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Ease of operation

If the pull-wire extends beyond the guide tube ends, then operating members can be attached, but the pull-wire may become loose or misaligned during assembly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperating member attachmentVSAvoidpull-wire alignment and tension

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The Bowden cable assembly is pre-assembled with the pull-wire tensioned and positioned correctly within the guide tube before attachment to the handle housing. This preliminary assembly ensures proper alignment and tension are established prior to final installation, preventing loosening or misalignment during subsequent assembly operations. The adhesive bonding process then secures this pre-assembled unit in its correct position.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

Mechanical alignment and tensioning mechanisms are replaced with adhesive bonding that maintains the pre-established alignment and tension of the pull-wire. The adhesive secures the Bowden cable assembly in its correctly positioned state, eliminating the need for complex mechanical alignment systems while preserving the precision of pull-wire positioning and tension.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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

This configuration enhances bending properties at the distal tip while minimizing mechanical parts and costs, facilitating easier assembly and use.

Implementation Method 1

The proximal end of the outer guide tube is affixed to the operating handle by means of an adhesive

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAdhesive: Adhesive

Data Source

PatentUS12201268B2Endoscope

Publication Date: 2025.01.21 AMBU AS

AI summary

An endoscope having an operating handle including a handle housing arranged at a proximal end and an insertion tube extending from the handle towards a distal end of the endoscope and terminating in a steerable tip part at the distal end of the endoscope, the endoscope further including a control mechanism with a Bowden cable having an outer guide tube having a first length between a proximal end and a distal end of the outer guide tube and an inner pull-wire having a second length between a proximal end and a distal end of the inner pull-wire, the second length being longer than the first length, the proximal end of the outer guide tube is affixed to the operating handle by an adhesive.