Endoscope Dial Torque Adjustment Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing endoscopes face challenges in setting a precise minimum torque for rotatable dials, requiring high tolerance components and complex, expensive production processes.
Innovation Solution
An endoscope design with adjustable setting units for dials, allowing for customizable pressure force to set the necessary torque, using a spring with a variable restoring force and axial position adjustment, and plastics seals to prevent stick-slip effects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If high tolerance requirements are placed on components to achieve desired minimum torque, then the minimum torque precision is improved, but the production becomes complicated and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an adjustable setting unit that allows the minimum torque to be dynamically configured after assembly. This replaces the need for high-precision manufacturing tolerances with a post-assembly adjustment mechanism, thereby reducing production complexity while maintaining torque precision
Solution Approach 2:
The setting unit enables changing the pressure force parameter between the dial and bearing components. By adjusting this parameter, the minimum torque can be precisely set without requiring tight manufacturing tolerances, thus simplifying production while achieving the desired torque precision
2Measurement precision
If high tolerance requirements are placed on components to achieve desired minimum torque, then the minimum torque precision is improved, but the production cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustable setting unit allows torque precision to be achieved through post-assembly configuration rather than expensive high-tolerance manufacturing. This dynamic adjustment capability significantly reduces production costs while maintaining the required minimum torque precision
Solution Approach 2:
The setting unit enables self-adjustment of the minimum torque during assembly or maintenance without requiring specialized equipment or processes. This self-service capability reduces production complexity and cost while achieving precise torque settings
3Ease of operation
If pressure force is settable by means of a setting unit, then the minimum torque can be set easily during assembly, but the device structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The setting unit is designed as a separate, modular component that can be independently adjusted. This segmentation allows easy assembly and adjustment of the torque setting without complicating the overall device structure, as the adjustment mechanism is isolated and self-contained
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
Enables precise setting of minimum torque with greater component tolerance variations, improving assembly efficiency and reducing production costs while maintaining precise rotation and sealing.
Implementation Method 1
The first setting unit can have a first spring, the restoring force of which is settable
Implementation Method 2
The restoring force can be varied in particular by changing the length of the spring
Implementation Method 3
the contact surfaces move against one another when the first dial is rotated
Implementation Method 4
The contact surfaces can be oriented transversely to a longitudinal direction of the endoscope shaft and the pressure force can act parallel to the longitudinal direction. One of the contact surfaces can be a surface of a plastics plain bearing. The plastics plain bearing can be in particular in the form of a thrust washer
Data Source
AI summary
An endoscope having an endoscope shaft and a main body, which is connected to the endoscope shaft and on which a first dial that has a first contact surface is mounted in a rotatable manner, is provided. The main body has a second contact surface against which the first contact surface bears. The contact surfaces move against one another when the first dial is rotated. A first setting unit is provided, using which a pressure force with which the first contact surface is pressed against the second contact surface is settable in order to set a minimum torque that is necessary in order to rotate the first dial.