Endoscope Distal Rigid Section Breakable Portions for Imaging Unit Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing endoscopes face challenges in efficiently removing imaging units from the distal rigid section without damaging them, particularly when using high-frequency instruments, due to the rigid structure and materials used.
Innovation Solution
The endoscope design incorporates a fragile portion with a concaved shape and breakable sections that are easier to break than other parts, allowing for the imaging unit to be removed with reduced load, thereby minimizing damage to the unit and the rigid section.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the distal rigid section main body is made of rigid material to maintain structural integrity and electrical insulation, then the structural strength and electrical insulation are improved, but the imaging unit becomes difficult to remove without damage
Solution Approach 1:
The distal rigid section main body is divided into multiple sections by introducing breakable portions. These breakable portions include a first breakable portion between the outer peripheral surface and the second inner peripheral surface, a second breakable portion between the first and second inner peripheral surfaces, and a third breakable portion between the first inner peripheral surface and the outer peripheral surface. This segmentation allows the main body to be broken into smaller sections for easy removal of the imaging unit while maintaining the overall structural integrity during use.
2Reliability
If the distal rigid section main body is made of electrically insulating material to prevent current flow during high-frequency treatment, then electrical safety is improved, but the structural rigidity may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The distal rigid section main body is constructed using composite material structure combining resin and ceramic materials. The main body is made of resin material providing electrical insulation, while ceramic materials are used for the breakable portions and distal surface to provide the necessary structural rigidity and fracture characteristics. This composite approach maintains both electrical safety and structural rigidity simultaneously.
3Ease of manufacture
If the outer peripheral surface is made smooth and continuous for ease of manufacturing and cleaning, then manufacturing simplicity and hygiene are improved, but the imaging unit cannot be easily removed
Solution Approach 1:
Breakable portions are pre-formed in the distal rigid section main body during the manufacturing process. These breakable portions include concaved-shaped fragile portions that are more easily broken than other parts. The preliminary formation of these weak points allows the main body to be easily broken later for imaging unit removal without complicating the manufacturing process.
Data Source
AI summary
An endoscope includes a first breakable portion provided between a part of an outer peripheral surface of a distal rigid section main body and a second inner peripheral surface, and including a fragile portion which is formed in a concaved-shape and which is more easy to break than any other part of the outer peripheral surface except for thereof. The endoscope includes a second breakable portion provided between a first inner peripheral surface and the second inner peripheral surface, and a third breakable portion provided between the first inner peripheral surface and a part of the outer peripheral surface of the distal rigid section main body, which differs from the fragile portion.