Endoscope Deflection Mechanism With Adjustable Tactile Stop Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing deflection control mechanisms for steerable flexible endoscopes lack optimal tactile feedback, making it difficult for users to determine the maximal deflection angle, and are not easily adaptable to various endoscope configurations, complicating assembly and maintenance.
Innovation Solution
A deflection control mechanism with adjustable movable stop elements and a support structure that provides clear tactile feedback when the maximal deflection angle is reached, allowing for customization to different endoscope shafts through adjustable stop positions and tensioning mechanisms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a mechanical stop is provided to limit the deflection angle, then the reliability is improved by preventing component breakage, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to poor tactile feedback making it difficult for users to determine when the maximal deflection angle is reached
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies feedback by designing the movable stop element to provide clear tactile feedback to the user when the maximal deflection angle is reached. The stop element is positioned such that it contacts the control wire or tensioning mechanism at the limit of movement, creating a distinct tactile sensation that informs the user when to stop operating the deflection control mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The movable stop element acts as an intermediary between the control wire and the user's hand. It translates the mechanical limit of the control wire's movement into a tangible tactile signal, mediating the interaction between the user and the internal mechanical constraints of the system.
2Ease of manufacture
If standardized components are used for various endoscopes, then the ease of manufacture is improved, but the adaptability deteriorates because different endoscope configurations require different deflection control mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the stop element movable rather than fixed. The movable stop element can be repositioned along the control wire to accommodate different deflection angles required by various endoscope configurations, allowing a single standardized component design to adapt to multiple applications.
Solution Approach 2:
The deflection control mechanism is segmented into modular components including the movable stop element, tensioning mechanism, and control wire. This segmentation allows the stop element to be independently adjusted and repositioned to match different endoscope requirements while using the same standardized base components.
3Device complexity
If the stop element position is fixed, then the device complexity is reduced, but the adaptability deteriorates because it cannot be adjusted to different endoscope shafts with different permissible deflection angles
Solution Approach 1:
The stop element is designed to be movable rather than fixed, allowing it to be repositioned along the control wire to match the specific deflection angle requirements of different endoscope shafts. This dynamic positioning capability is achieved through a simple adjustment mechanism that does not significantly increase overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by allowing the position parameter of the stop element to be adjusted. By changing the positional parameter of the stop element along the control wire, the system can adapt to different permissible deflection angles of various endoscope shafts using the same basic mechanism design.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a deflection control mechanism (29) 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 pair of counteracting control wires (37, 37', 38). The deflection control mechanism (29) comprises a support structure, a drive wheel rotatably supported in the support structure, and an elongate traction element having a flexible section, a first coupling section connected to a first end of the flexible section, and a second coupling section connected to a second end of the flexible section, wherein the flexible section of the traction element engages with the drive wheel, wherein the first and second coupling sections each comprise a fixation element for fixing a respective proximal end of each wire of the at least one pair of control wires (37, 37', 38), wherein at least one of the first and second coupling sections comprises a movable stop element co-operating with a fixed stop of the support structure, and wherein the movable stop element is adjustably connected to the fixation element of the respective coupling section. The invention also relates to a steerable flexible endoscope (10), to an endoscope assembly set, and to a method for assembling a flexible endoscope (10).