Endoscope Signal Cable Shield Fixing for Flexible Distal Bending
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional endoscope signal cables face challenges with bending performance due to unnecessary metal shielding, leading to rigidity and increased strain during connection procedures, and existing solutions either compromise work efficiency or increase the number of components and diameter.
Innovation Solution
A signal cable design featuring a shielding layer that is fixed within the insulating layers, preventing exposure and maintaining flexibility, with an adhesive securing the shielding layer between the insulating and outer covers, ensuring efficient connection without dimensional increase.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a comprehensive shielding layer is provided to cover the distal end portion of the signal cable, then electromagnetic interference protection is improved, but the cable becomes more rigid and bending performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The shielding layer is divided into multiple segments along the longitudinal direction, with gaps between adjacent segments. This segmentation allows the shielding layer to flex and bend more easily while still providing electromagnetic interference protection, resolving the contradiction between shielding effectiveness and bending performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The shielding layer is selectively applied only to specific portions of the signal cable where electromagnetic interference protection is most needed, rather than covering the entire distal end portion. This local application maintains flexibility in critical bending areas while providing protection where required.
2Ease of operation
If the comprehensive outer cover and shielding layer are temporarily stripped and shifted forward, then bending performance is improved, but work efficiency deteriorates due to additional processing steps
Solution Approach 1:
The shielding layer is pre-configured with a segmented structure and appropriate positioning features during manufacturing, allowing it to be directly installed in the final position without requiring temporary stripping and shifting operations. This preliminary preparation eliminates additional processing steps while maintaining bending performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The unnecessary portions of the outer cover and shielding layer are extracted or removed entirely, eliminating the need for temporary stripping and shifting operations. This simplifies the assembly process while preserving the essential shielding function and cable flexibility.
3Reliability
If the shielding layer is extended to cover the distal end portion, then electromagnetic protection is improved, but the radial diameter increases
Solution Approach 1:
The shielding layer is segmented with gaps between segments, which reduces the overall radial diameter compared to a continuous shielding layer while maintaining electromagnetic protection effectiveness. The gaps allow the cable to maintain a smaller profile.
Solution Approach 2:
The shielding layer is applied partially rather than completely covering the distal end portion, providing sufficient electromagnetic protection for critical components while avoiding the radial diameter increase that would result from full coverage.
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 enhances work efficiency and prevents quality deterioration by maintaining cable flexibility and preventing short-circuits, while avoiding increases in the radial diameter of the signal cable.
Implementation Method 1
a fixing portion that fixes a distal end portion of the shielding layer
Data Source
AI summary
A signal cable includes: a plurality of electric wires; a first insulating layer surrounding the plurality of electric wires; a shielding layer covering a circumference of the first insulating layer; a second insulating layer covering a circumference of the shielding layer; and a fixing portion fixing a distal end portion of the shielding layer, in which distal end portions of electric wires protrude more toward a distal end side than a distal end portion of the second insulating layer, the distal end portion of shielding layer is disposed nearer to the proximal end side than a distal end portion of the first insulating layer and the distal end portion of the second insulating layer, and the fixing portion fixes the distal end portion of the shielding layer in a space between the distal end portion of the first insulating layer and the distal end portion of the second insulating layer.