Endoscope Chain Locking Prevention via Elastic Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional endoscopes face issues with chain locking and bending during rotational operations, leading to noise and loss of precise control due to inconsistent speeds and distances of chain movement, which interferes with the endoscopic function.
Innovation Solution
An endoscope with a chain locking prevention function that uses elastic coil springs to maintain the linear state of chains wound around sprockets, ensuring consistent and precise movement by connecting chain ends to connection blocks and guide rails, and employing locking grooves and coupling mechanisms for stable operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the chain is wound around the sprocket with both ends reciprocating in opposite directions, then the rotational operation can be converted to linear motion, but the chain may generate bending portions and lock due to inconsistent speeds and distances
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by introducing elastic force as a new physical parameter to counterbalance the inconsistent forces acting on the chain. The elastic force dynamically adjusts to maintain consistent tension and spacing between link members, compensating for speed and distance variations during chain reciprocation, thereby preventing bending and locking while preserving the rotational-to-linear motion conversion function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements beforehand cushioning by pre-applying elastic force to the chain before bending or locking can occur. The elastic element continuously exerts a stabilizing force that prevents the chain from developing bending portions in advance, ensuring smooth reciprocation and preventing locking conditions before they arise during operation.
2Device complexity
If the chain link connection portions are not arranged linearly, then bending portions are generated, but this causes noise and loss of precise control
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the force parameter by introducing elastic force that actively maintains linear arrangement of chain link connection portions. This elastic force counteracts any deviations that would cause bending, ensuring the chain remains properly aligned during reciprocation, thereby preserving measurement precision and control accuracy while allowing the chain structure to remain flexible.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic element acts as a feedback mechanism that continuously responds to positional deviations of the chain links. When link connection portions begin to deviate from linear arrangement, the elastic force automatically adjusts to restore proper alignment, providing real-time correction that prevents bending portions and maintains precise control without requiring complex external control systems.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If the chain generates bending portions, then noise occurs due to interference with adjacent members, but the chain may also cause operation failure in narrow passages
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies beforehand cushioning by using elastic force to prevent bending portions from forming in the first place. This proactive approach eliminates the source of noise (interference with adjacent members) before it occurs, while also preventing operation failures in narrow passages by ensuring the chain maintains proper linear configuration throughout its reciprocation cycle.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the potential harm of chain bending into a benefit by using the elastic element to transform force imbalances into useful stabilizing force. The elastic force that would otherwise be wasted or harmful becomes a beneficial mechanism that actively maintains chain alignment, reduces noise, and prevents operation failures, turning a potential problem into a solution.
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
Prevents chain locking and bending, maintaining precise control and reducing noise, thereby enhancing the reliability and effectiveness of endoscopic surgeries by ensuring the chains remain linearly aligned during operation.
Implementation Method 1
first and second coil springs having both ends connected between one end of each of the first and second guide rails and the first and second connection blocks and elastically supporting the first and second connection blocks connected to the first and second connection wires toward the insertion part
Data Source
AI summary
An endoscope includes: a direction conversion module for converting rotational motions of the upper and lower sprockets to linear motions of the upper and lower chains while maintaining linear states of the upper and lower chains pulled, and pushed upon rotational operation of the operation part, in which the direction conversion module includes: first and second connection blocks for connecting both ends of the upper chain to one end of each of the first and second connection wires of the operation part, and third and fourth connection blocks for connecting both ends of the lower chain to one end of each of the third and fourth connection wires of the operation part.