Endoscope Coupler Spring-Loaded Jaw Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing endoscope couplers require high operating efforts for detachable connections, making single-handed operation difficult or impossible, which complicates the coupling and decoupling of endoscopes with cameras.
Innovation Solution
An endoscope coupler with a camera securement mechanism and an endoscope-fixing mechanism featuring movably supported jaws with spring force, allowing for easy attachment and detachment through a rotational detachment mechanism, enabling one-handed operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional retaining mechanism is used for detachable connection, then secure attachment is achieved, but operating effort increases and single-handed operation becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The fixing means employs a dynamic jaw mechanism that can move between a blocking position (preventing removal) and a retracted position (allowing insertion). The jaw is spring-loaded to automatically return to the blocking position after insertion, providing secure attachment while requiring minimal operating effort for both coupling and decoupling operations
Solution Approach 2:
The retaining mechanism is divided into separate functional components: a movable jaw element, a spring loading mechanism, and a detachment mechanism. This segmentation allows the blocking function and the release function to be independently optimized, enabling secure attachment during operation while allowing easy single-handed detachment through a simple rotational motion
2Reliability
If a fixing means blocks the access for insertion, then secure retention is achieved, but decoupling becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of requiring a complex multi-step release mechanism, the invention inverts the approach by using a simple rotational detachment mechanism that automatically triggers the jaw to move from its blocking position to its retracted position. The spring loading mechanism then automatically returns the jaw to the blocking position, making the decoupling process simple and intuitive
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
Facilitates simple and efficient coupling and decoupling of endoscopes with cameras, reducing operational effort and ensuring secure attachment and controlled detachment.
Implementation Method 1
The endoscope-fixing mechanism comprises at least one movably supported jaw upon which a spring force acts such that at least one region of the jaw is pressed into the access and blocks the access
Data Source
AI summary
An endoscope coupler for a camera, with a proximal end of the endoscope coupler for the disposition on the camera, with a camera securement mechanism for securing the endoscope coupler on the camera and with an endoscope head-receiving region for the at least partial reception of an endoscope head when an endoscope is coupled with the camera, wherein the endoscope head-receiving region is accessible across an access for the endoscope head from the direction of a distal end of the endoscope coupler, and with a movably supported jaw that secures the endoscope on the endoscope coupler. The jaw can be loaded with a spring force such that at least one region of the jaw is pressed into the access and blocks the access.