Endoscope Coupling Elastic Body Stress Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing endoscopes with rigid insertion and operation units are prone to damage due to sudden bending stresses when the operation unit is moved, causing stress concentration at the coupling portion, which can lead to damage of the insertion observation unit.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating an elastic body that covers the coupling portion between the endoscope operation unit and the insertion observation unit, which is designed with a tapered portion and a filling portion for the illumination fiber wiring groove, to alleviate stress concentration and improve operability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If rigid insertion observation unit and rigid endoscope operation unit are coupled together, then structural strength is improved, but stress concentration at coupling portion increases leading to damage risk
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies this principle by introducing an elastic body (flexible element) at the coupling portion between the rigid insertion observation unit and the rigid endoscope operation unit. This elastic body acts as a flexible buffer that absorbs sudden bending stresses and prevents stress concentration, thereby maintaining structural strength while eliminating damage risk from rigid-rigid coupling.
2Reliability
If elastic body is added to cover coupling portion, then stress concentration is suppressed, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies this principle by integrating the elastic body with the holding portion of the endoscope operation unit through molding. The elastic body and holding portion form a single integrated structure, which simplifies assembly and reduces the number of separate components. This merging approach suppresses stress concentration while minimizing the increase in device complexity.
3Stress or pressure
If elastic body with tapered portion is used, then stress distribution is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies this principle by designing the elastic body with a specific tapered shape and material properties that optimize stress distribution. The tapered portion gradually transitions in cross-sectional area, which smoothly distributes stress along the coupling portion. This geometric parameter optimization improves stress distribution while remaining compatible with standard molding manufacturing processes.
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 elastic body effectively suppresses stress concentration at the coupling portion, reducing the risk of damage to the insertion observation unit during operation and enhancing user grip and handling of the endoscope.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic body that covers at least a coupling portion between the endoscope operation unit and the insertion observation unit
Data Source
AI summary
An endoscope includes an endoscope operation unit; an insertion observation unit extending forward from the endoscope operation unit in a longitudinal direction of the endoscope; a coupling portion between the endoscope operation unit and the insertion observation unit; and an elastic body that covers at least a coupling portion.