Endoscope Operation Body Curving Dial Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing endoscopes with curving portions lack ergonomic design for easy operation, particularly for users with small hands or short fingers, as the positioning of curving operation dials and switches can be cumbersome, making it difficult to perform curving operations in multiple directions without assistance from the non-grasping hand.
Innovation Solution
The endoscope design features a curving operation dial positioned between two tangents of a functional switch parallel to the longitudinal axis, allowing the RL curving operation to be easily performed with the finger other than the thumb of the grasping hand, and a recessed configuration that prevents interference with the UD curving operation knob, enabling independent curving in both UD and RL directions without requiring assistance from the non-grasping hand.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the curving operation dial is positioned in a conventional location, then the device structure is simple, but the ease of operation deteriorates for users with small hands or short fingers
Solution Approach 1:
The curving operation dial is repositioned from a conventional planar arrangement to a three-dimensional location on the lateral surface of the operation portion body. This spatial repositioning in another dimension allows users with small hands to access the dial with their index finger while maintaining a compact overall structure, thereby improving ease of operation without significantly increasing device complexity.
2Ease of operation
If multiple curving operation portions are provided on different surfaces, then the ease of operation improves for independent UD and RL curving, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The UD curving operation knob and RL curving operation dial are merged into a single operation portion body, with the dial positioned on the lateral surface and the knob on the distal end surface. This integration allows both curving operations to be performed independently from one unified structure, improving ease of operation while avoiding the complexity of separate operating units.
Solution Approach 2:
The operation portion body is segmented into distinct functional zones: the lateral surface houses the RL curving operation dial accessible by finger, while the distal end surface contains the UD curving operation knob accessible by thumb. This segmentation allows independent operation of each curving function without interference, improving ease of operation while maintaining a compact integrated design.
3Ease of operation
If the curving operation dial is positioned closer to the distal end, then the ease of operation improves for finger access, but the device complexity increases due to spatial arrangement constraints
Solution Approach 1:
The lateral surface of the operation portion body is specifically designed with a recessed region that locally accommodates the curving operation dial. This localized structural modification provides optimal finger access for operating the dial while maintaining the overall compact form factor, improving ease of operation without requiring complex spatial rearrangement of the entire device.
Data Source
AI summary
An insertion instrument includes an insertion portion having a curving portion, and an operation portion body coupled to the proximal side of the insertion portion. The operation portion body includes a first surface, and a second surface extending from the first surface and extending in a direction different from the direction in which the first surface extends. A finger side other than a thumb of a grasping hand is located in the second surface. The operation portion body includes a first curving operation portion which is provided in the first surface and which curves the curving portion in a first direction, a functional switch which is provided in the second surface and which operates a predetermined function of the insertion instrument, and a second curving operation portion which is provided in the second surface.