Endoscope Probe Device with Detachable Connector Mechanism
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional endoscopes require complete replacement or cumbersome cleaning and sterilization due to their single-body design, making efficient detachment and reattachment of the probe and handle unit difficult, especially when wire management is problematic.
Innovation Solution
A detachable probe device with second connectors and pinion gears allows for easy separation and reattachment of the handle unit and probe, enabling flexible positioning and operation without requiring separate wire management, and includes wire fixing members to absorb differences in wire travel distance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the endoscope is designed as a single body, then structural integrity is maintained, but cleaning and sterilization become cumbersome and complete replacement is required
Solution Approach 1:
The endoscope is divided into separable components: a handle unit and a probe unit that can be detached from each other. This segmentation allows the probe unit to be easily removed for cleaning and sterilization, or replaced entirely if needed, while the handle unit can be reused. The separation resolves the contradiction by enabling efficient maintenance without compromising the structural integrity of each individual component.
2Productivity
If the probe and handle are made detachable, then cleaning efficiency improves, but wire management and reattachment become difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The wire management function is merged into the detachable connector system. The connectors include integrated wire routing channels and alignment features that guide the wires automatically during attachment and detachment operations. This merging of wire management into the connector design eliminates the need for separate wire handling steps, resolving the contradiction between cleaning efficiency and ease of wire management.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector acts as an intermediary component that mediates between the handle unit and probe unit. It provides a standardized interface with built-in wire routing paths and alignment mechanisms, making the detachment and reattachment process simple and reliable. This intermediary structure resolves the wire management difficulty by providing a dedicated pathway and mechanical guidance for the wires during separation and reconnection.
3Adaptability or versatility
If wires are spaced apart in the bent endoscope, then articulation is enabled, but different radii cause different wire movement distances affecting operation accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The connector design incorporates dynamic compensation mechanisms that adapt to the different movement distances of wires caused by bending. The wire routing channels in the connector are designed to accommodate varying wire lengths and movement ranges, allowing the system to maintain operational accuracy despite the articulation-induced radius differences. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction between articulation capability and operation accuracy.
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
Facilitates easy detachment and reattachment of the endoscope components, enhances operational efficiency by allowing flexible positioning, and simplifies cleaning and sterilization, while preventing degradations in operability due to wire radius differences.
Implementation Method 1
a pair of second connectors coupled to an end of the wires and detachably coupled to the handle unit. The pair of second connectors are disposed to face each other and movable in different directions
Implementation Method 2
The probe device may further include a first pinion gear disposed between the pair of second connectors. The pair of second connectors include rack gear portions provided on facing surfaces thereof to be engaged with the first pinion gear
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is an endoscope including a separable probe. The endoscope includes a handle unit and a probe unit detachably mounted on the handle unit. The handle unit includes a first connector reciprocally movable by an adjustment knob. The probe unit includes a probe deformable in response to movement of a wire and a second connector coupled to an end of the wires and detachably coupled to the first connector.