Endoscope Distal End Coupling Ring Fixation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Endoscopes face challenges in reducing the diameter of the insertion section while ensuring firm fixation of internal components to the distal end constituent member, particularly in maintaining the stability and assembly efficiency of optical and illumination units without using fixing screws.

Innovation Solution

The use of a cylindrical member with a projecting section and an annular coupling ring that pinches the projecting section between its contact surface and the abutting surface of the distal end member, allowing for secure fixation of the cylindrical member and reducing the diameter of the distal end rigid portion by eliminating the need for screws.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If screws are used to fix internal components to the distal end constituent member, then firm fixing is achieved, but the diameter of the insertion section increases and assembly complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefirm fixingVSAvoiddiameter of insertion section

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes the screw fastening mechanism from the distal end constituent member, extracting the problematic element that caused increased diameter and assembly complexity. The fixing function is transferred to a separate coupling ring that can be applied without increasing the core diameter of the insertion section.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The coupling ring acts as an intermediary component between the distal end constituent member and the internal components. Instead of directly screwing components to the distal end member, the coupling ring mediates the connection, providing firm fixing while maintaining a compact diameter.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If screws are used to fix internal components to the distal end constituent member, then firm fixing is achieved, but the number of parts and assembly steps increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefirm fixingVSAvoidnumber of parts

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The coupling ring combines multiple functions into a single component: it provides the fixing mechanism, serves as a structural element, and eliminates the need for separate screws and screwholes. This merging reduces the total number of parts while maintaining firm fixing capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts the screw fastening system and replaces it with an integrated coupling ring design. By removing the screw component entirely and incorporating its fixing function into the coupling ring structure, the number of parts is reduced and assembly is simplified.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Length of stationary object

If the number of threads is minimized to reduce diameter, then the diameter of the insertion section is reduced, but the fixing strength may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvediameter of insertion sectionVSAvoidfixing strength

Core Design Contradiction:

Length of stationary objectVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the screw-threaded mechanical fastening system with a coupling ring that uses interference fit and friction-based fixation. This substitution eliminates the need for threads while maintaining adequate fixing strength through alternative mechanical principles.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The coupling ring changes the fixing mechanism from thread-based engagement to a different mechanical parameter regime, utilizing radial interference and friction to achieve fixation. This parameter change allows for strong fixing without requiring threads, thereby maintaining a compact diameter.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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

This configuration enhances assembly workability, stabilizes the internal components, and reduces the diameter of the distal end rigid portion, improving the overall efficiency and stability of the endoscope's insertion section.

Implementation Method 1

an annular coupling ring that configures a distal end portion of a bendable bending section coupled to the distal end member and includes a contact surface which is brought into contact with a proximal end side of the projecting section of the cylindrical member, the coupling ring fixing the cylindrical member by pinching the projecting section between the contract surface and the abutting surface

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical compression: Compression

Data Source

PatentUS9924852B2Insertion apparatus

Publication Date: 2018.03.27 OLYMPUS CORPORATION(JP)

AI summary

An insertion apparatus includes a distal end member formed at a distal end portion of an insertion section inserted into a subject, a cylindrical member disposed in the distal end member, and an annular coupling ring into which the distal end member is inserted, a projecting section of the cylindrical member being pinched between the coupling ring and the distal end member.