Endoscope Distal End Rigid Member Elastic Fixation Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing endoscopes face challenges in reducing the diameter of the insertion portion while maintaining functionality and expanding internal space, which is hindered by the need for multiple screws and complex fixation mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
The endoscope employs a cylindrical distal end rigid member with recess portions and projection portions that use elastic forces to securely fix the distal end bending piece without screws, allowing for a reduced diameter and increased internal space by utilizing inclined projection portions that elastically engage with recess portions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple screws and complex fixation mechanisms are used to fix the distal end bending piece, then the fixation reliability is improved, but the diameter of the insertion portion increases and internal space decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and eliminates the screws and complex fixation mechanisms from the distal end rigid member structure. By removing these external fixation components, the insertion portion diameter is reduced and internal space is expanded while maintaining fixation functionality through an integrated elastic engagement mechanism between the distal end bending piece and the rigid member
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges the fixation function into the structural design of the distal end rigid member itself. The elastic engagement features (protrusions and recesses) are integrated directly into the member bodies, combining the fixation mechanism with the structural components rather than using separate fixation elements like screws
2Reliability
If multiple screws and complex fixation mechanisms are used to fix the distal end bending piece, then the fixation reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases and manufacturing becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and removes the complex fixation mechanisms (multiple screws, complex engagement structures) from the design. By eliminating these separate components and their associated assembly steps, the overall device complexity is reduced while maintaining reliable fixation through simpler elastic engagement features
Solution Approach 2:
The distal end rigid member and distal end bending piece are designed to self-fixate through their inherent elastic deformation characteristics. The protrusions and recesses automatically engage through elastic deformation without requiring external fixation components or complex assembly procedures, making the system self-sufficient for fixation
3Strength
If screws are used to fix the distal end bending piece, then the fixation strength is improved, but the part count increases and assembly becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The fixation system uses the inherent elastic properties of the distal end rigid member and distal end bending piece to achieve automatic engagement. The protrusions and recesses elastically deform to lock together without requiring screws or complex assembly tools, maintaining strong fixation while dramatically simplifying the assembly process
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts and eliminates screws and complex fixation components from the assembly process. By removing these separate parts, the part count is reduced and assembly is simplified to a single elastic engagement action, while fixation strength is maintained through the elastic locking mechanism
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
This solution enables a more compact endoscope design with improved fixation workability and reduced part count, eliminating the need for screws and allowing for easier assembly, while preventing rotation and axial movement of the distal end bending piece.
Implementation Method 1
a projection portion having an axial-direction contact face that comes into contact with a first recess wall in the direction of the axis and a circumferential-direction contact face that comes into contact with a second recess wall in the direction around the axis, the projection portion inclinedly projecting from an inner circumferential face of the ring member toward a central axis side of the ring member
Data Source
AI summary
An endoscope includes: a cylindrical member; a ring member, in which the cylindrical member is fixed; a recess portion provided in an outer circumferential face of the cylindrical member; a first recess wall formed in a direction around an axis in the recess portion; a second recess wall formed along a direction of the axis; a projection portion provided on an inner circumferential face of the ring member, the projection portion being engaged with a recess portion; a first contact portion that comes into contact with the first recess wall in the direction of the axis; and a second contact portion that comes into contact with the second recess wall in the direction around the axis.