Endoscope Deflection Brake Mechanism for Stable Angle Holding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing endoscope technologies fail to provide a deflection control mechanism that allows for the steerable section to maintain a deflection control mechanism for a steerable flexible endoscope and to a steerable flexible endoscope and to a deflection control mechanism for a steerable flexible endoscope and to a deflection control mechanism for a steering flexible endoscope and to a steering flexible endoscope and to a steering flexible endoscope and to a steering flexible endoscope and to a steering flexible endoscope having such a deflection control mechanism.
Innovation Solution
A deflection control mechanism for a steerable flexible endoscope that includes a support structure, a drive wheel, and a hand wheel, with a brake stator and brake rotor elements that utilize an elastically deformable lip to provide frictional coupling, allowing for intuitive and safe operation with reduced wear and complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a friction-type brake mechanism is used to hold the steerable section, then the deflection angle can be maintained, but the mechanism suffers from wear, complexity, and requires time-consuming adjustment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the adjustment function from the brake mechanism by providing a separate adjustment device that independently sets the brake force. This separation allows the brake mechanism itself to be simpler while maintaining reliable holding capability through pre-configured brake forces.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the brake mechanism from requiring complex real-time adjustments to using pre-determined brake forces that can be set once via the adjustment device. This parameter change from dynamic to static configuration reduces mechanism complexity while maintaining reliability.
2Reliability
If a friction-type brake mechanism is used to hold the steerable section, then the deflection angle can be maintained, but the mechanism suffers from wear
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a friction element that can be easily replaced when worn. This approach treats the friction element as a consumable component, allowing the use of simple friction-based braking while managing wear through periodic replacement rather than complex wear-resistant designs.
3Reliability
If a friction-type brake mechanism is used to hold the steerable section, then the deflection angle can be maintained, but the mechanism requires time-consuming adjustment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by providing an adjustment device that pre-configures the brake force before use. The brake mechanism is pre-adjusted to provide appropriate holding force, eliminating the need for time-consuming adjustments during operation or between uses.
4Ease of operation
If conventional brake mechanisms are used, then the steerable section can be held, but the mechanisms are complex and require frequent adjustment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by designing a brake mechanism that automatically maintains holding capability through a simple adjustment device. The system serves itself by allowing easy periodic adjustment without requiring complex control systems or frequent intervention, improving ease of operation while reducing complexity.
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 mechanism enables precise control of the endoscope's deflection angle with reduced wear, complexity, and the need for adjustment, providing tactile feedback and allowing the user to maintain the deflection angle without constant manual input.
Implementation Method 1
one of which comprises an elastically deformable lip, and the other one comprises a friction surface, wherein the lip is arranged for being pressed against the friction surface by axial displacement of the brake stator element relative to the brake rotor element thereby effecting frictional coupling
Implementation Method 2
one of which comprises an elastically deformable lip
Data Source
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AI summary
A deflection control mechanism for a steerable flexible endoscope (10), the endoscope (10) having an elongate flexible shaft (30) comprising a steerable section (31) that is deflectable by movement of at least one elongate control element, comprises a support structure, a drive wheel rotatably supported in or on the support structure, and a hand wheel (22, 23) rotationally coupled to the drive wheel, wherein the deflection control mechanism (29) is connectable to the at least one elongate control element to effect movement of the at least one elongate control element by rotation of the drive wheel, wherein the deflection control mechanism (29) comprises a brake stator element rotationally coupled to the support structure and a brake rotor element rotationally coupled to the drive wheel, the brake stator element being displaceable relative to the brake rotor element in an axial direction, and wherein a first one of the brake stator and brake rotor elements comprises an elastically deformable lip and the other one of the brake stator and brake rotor elements comprises a friction surface (105a, 115a), the elastically deformable lip being arranged for being pressed against the friction surface (105a, 115a) by axial displacement of the brake stator element relative to the brake rotor element. The invention also relates to a steerable flexible endoscope (10) and to a method for controlling a flexible endoscope (10).