Endoscope Distal End Cover Sealing Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing endoscopes face challenges in maintaining cleanability of the distal end portion due to contamination of the wire insertion passage and elevator mechanism, especially when liquids enter the gaps between the distal end cover and the distal end portion body, complicating the cleaning process.
Innovation Solution
The endoscope design includes a distal end cover that is attachable and detachable, sealing the wire insertion passage and lever housing chamber, using sealing members and a biocompatible silicone lubricant to prevent liquid ingress, and a rotary shaft with voids sealed by lubricant to block fluid flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a distal end cover is provided to cover the outlet of the wire insertion passage, then the structure is simplified and manufacturing is easier, but liquid can enter the gap between the distal end cover and distal end portion body, causing contamination that makes cleaning extremely difficult
Solution Approach 1:
A sealing member is introduced as an intermediary element between the distal end cover and the distal end portion body. This sealing member fills the gap that would otherwise allow liquid to penetrate, thereby preventing contamination of the wire insertion passage outlet while maintaining the simple covered structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing member functions as a flexible barrier that conforms to the gap between the rigid components of the distal end cover and distal end portion body. This flexible sealing element effectively blocks liquid ingress paths without requiring complex rigid sealing structures.
2Ease of operation
If the distal end cover is made rotationally movable between locked and unlocked positions, then ease of operation is improved, but the structure becomes more complicated and cleaning becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The distal end cover is designed as a separable component that can be detached from the distal end portion body. This segmentation allows the cover to be completely removed for cleaning, eliminating the cleaning difficulties associated with fixed or rotationally movable covers while maintaining ease of operation through simple attachment and detachment.
Solution Approach 2:
The distal end cover is extracted as an independent, removable component from the overall assembly. This extraction enables complete separation of the cover from the body, allowing thorough cleaning of both components individually without the constraints of a fixed or rotationally movable connection.
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 design effectively prevents contamination of the wire and lever components, enhancing the cleanability of the distal end portion and simplifying the cleaning process.
Implementation Method 1
the distal end cover seals a space portion including at least an outlet of the wire insertion passage
Implementation Method 2
a rotary shaft with voids sealed by lubricant to block fluid flow
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is an endoscope capable of improving cleanability of a distal end portion body of an endoscope insertion part. An endoscope includes: a distal end portion body that is provided on a distal end side of an endoscope insertion part; an elevator that is provided on the distal end portion body; a distal end cover that is attachable to and detachable from the distal end portion body; an operation wire that is used to operate the elevator; and a wire insertion passage through which the operation wire is inserted, in which, in a case in which the distal end cover is mounted on the distal end portion body, the distal end cover seals a space portion including at least an outlet of the wire insertion passage.