Endoscope Braking Mechanism With Cam Pairing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Steerable endoscopes face challenges with undefined braking levels, spring back effect, and complex structures leading to high manufacturing and assembly costs.
Innovation Solution
An endoscope with a steering mechanism and braking mechanism featuring a cam pairing that transforms user input into axial translation of a friction element, allowing for defined braking levels and reducing the spring back effect through a tactile structure, enabling easy assembly and operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a braking mechanism with two settings (off or on) is used, then the structure is simple, but the braking force cannot be adjusted to defined levels
Solution Approach 1:
The braking mechanism transitions from a static two-setting system to a dynamic continuously adjustable system. The friction element can be positioned at any location along the cam surface, allowing the braking force to be dynamically adjusted to any defined level between off and full on, resolving the contradiction between structural simplicity and operational flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the parameter of braking force from discrete two-level settings to continuous adjustable levels. By utilizing the cam surface geometry and friction element positioning, the braking force parameter can be varied continuously, enabling defined braking levels while maintaining a relatively simple mechanical structure.
2Device complexity
If a threading mechanism is used to transform rotation into axial movement, then the structure is compact, but the manufacturing and assembly costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the threading mechanism from the design and replaces it with a direct cam-friction element interface. This eliminates the complex threading components while maintaining the functional capability of transforming rotational input into axial movement of the friction element, thereby reducing manufacturing and assembly costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The cam surface acts as an intermediary element that directly transforms the rotational movement of the braking control element into axial translation of the friction element. This intermediary mechanism replaces the threading system, achieving the same functional result with simpler, more cost-effective components that are easier to manufacture and assemble.
3Manufacturing precision
If a cam pairing is used to transform braking input into axial translation, then the braking levels can be defined, but the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The cam pairing structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it transforms rotational input to axial movement, defines precise braking levels through its surface geometry, and provides tactile feedback to the user. By consolidating these functions into a single integrated component rather than multiple separate mechanisms, the invention achieves defined braking levels without proportionally increasing overall structural complexity.
4Device complexity
If friction elements are used for braking, then the mechanism is simple, but the spring back effect occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The cam surface provides tactile feedback to the user during operation, allowing precise control of the friction element position and braking force application. This feedback mechanism enables the user to maintain steady pressure and avoid the spring back effect by sensing when the desired braking level is achieved, thereby improving reliability without complicating the mechanical structure.
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 endoscope provides a simple and cost-effective solution with multiple braking levels, reducing the spring back effect and enhancing user control, while minimizing manufacturing complexity.
Implementation Method 1
a cam pairing having a cam surface unit (19a) forming a cam surface and a cam (20a) contacting the cam surface in the axial direction, the cam (20a) being configured to slide along the cam surface to transform the braking input into an axial translation of the friction element (17a)
Implementation Method 2
a friction element (17a) which is axially translatable in an axial direction defined by the control axis (9) to engage or disengage with the steering mechanism
Data Source
AI summary
An endoscope including steering and braking mechanisms. The braking mechanism includes a manually operable braking control element, a friction element which is axially translatable along a control axis to engage or disengage with the steering mechanism, and a cam pairing transmitting force between the braking control element and the friction element and transforming the braking input into an axial translation of the friction element. The cam pairing has a cam surface and a cam axially contacting the cam surface. The cam surface forms a first ramp section for translating the friction element from a first braking position to an intermediate braking position, a second ramp section for translating it from the intermediate braking position to a second braking position, and an intermediate section forming a tactile structure arranged between the first ramp section and the second ramp section and defining the intermediate braking position.