Endoscope Channel Unit Variable Length Connection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing endoscope channel units lack flexibility and adjustability, limiting the ability to change the position and angle of the distal end opening without altering the observation direction, which hampers precise treatment and resection operations.
Innovation Solution
A channel unit for an endoscope featuring a flexible connection member with variable length, allowing the proximal end fixing portion to move relative to the distal end fixing portion, enabling the distal end opening to be adjusted in multiple directions, including orthogonal to the longitudinal direction, for improved treatment instrument positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a rigid connection member is used to fix the conduit position, then the position stability is improved, but the flexibility and adjustability of the distal end opening deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The connection member is designed with dynamic characteristics, allowing it to change its state from fixed to movable. The proximal end fixing portion can move back and forth relative to the distal end fixing portion along the longitudinal direction, enabling the system to adapt between stability and flexibility based on operational needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection member's length in the longitudinal direction is made variable. By changing the effective length parameter of the connection member through relative movement of fixing portions, the system achieves both positional stability when needed and flexibility for positioning adjustments, resolving the contradiction between these two requirements.
2Device complexity
If the distal end opening position is fixed, then the structural simplicity is improved, but the treatment precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The connection member introduces a dynamic adjustment mechanism that allows the distal end opening position to be varied along the longitudinal direction while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure. The movable fixing portion enables precision adjustment without requiring complex mechanical systems.
3Strength
If the conduit is made rigid to maintain shape, then the structural strength is improved, but the ability to navigate body cavities deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The connection member is segmented into a proximal end fixing portion and a distal end fixing portion that can move relative to each other. This segmentation allows the conduit to maintain structural strength through its segmented construction while enabling flexibility in navigation by allowing the segments to move independently along the longitudinal direction.
Data Source
AI summary
A channel unit for an endoscope includes a conduit, a mounting member and a connection member having one end connected to the mounting member and another end connected to a distal end of the conduit, the connection member having flexibility and a variable length in a longitudinal direction, and a proximal end side fixing portion of the connection member is movable back and forth in the longitudinal direction with respect to a distal end side fixing portion of the connection member as the conduit moves back and forth in the longitudinal direction.