Endoscope Distal-End Structure for Reduced Insertion Diameter
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing endoscopes with annular insulating members increase the outer diameter of the distal end portion, making it difficult to reduce the overall diameter of the insertion part.
Innovation Solution
The endoscope design includes a conductive distal end member with a first region and a second region where the annular member with insulating properties is mounted, ensuring the second region's outer diameter is smaller than the first region, and the annular member has deformable rigidity to fit within the second region, allowing for a reduced overall diameter.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an annular insulating member is mounted on the distal end member, then insulating properties are ensured, but the outer diameter of the distal end portion increases
Solution Approach 1:
The annular insulating member is nested within the first region of the distal end member, specifically positioned inside the outer diameter of the first region while extending along the longitudinal axis. This nesting arrangement allows the insulating member to provide electrical insulation without increasing the overall outer diameter of the distal end portion, as it is contained within the existing spatial envelope of the first region.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of extending the insulating member radially outward (increasing outer diameter), the invention positions it axially within the first region. The insulating member's primary dimension is along the longitudinal axis rather than radial direction, transforming the problem from a radial space constraint to an axial space utilization solution.
2Reliability
If the outer diameter of the annular member is increased, then insulating coverage is improved, but the outer diameter of the distal end portion is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The insulating member is nested within the first region's radial boundaries, utilizing the internal axial space rather than expanding radially. This provides sufficient insulating coverage along the longitudinal axis where electrical insulation is most needed, without compromising the outer diameter constraints of the distal end portion.
Solution Approach 2:
The insulating member is strategically positioned in the first region where electrical insulation is most critical, rather than uniformly distributing insulation across all regions. This localized insulation approach provides adequate coverage where needed while maintaining compact overall dimensions.
Data Source
AI summary
An endoscope includes a distal end member that is connected to a distal end side of an insertion part and that is made of a conductive material, and an insulating ring that is mounted on a base end side of the distal end member and that has an insulating property, in which the distal end member has a first region in which an observation window, an illumination window, and a treatment tool outlet port are disposed, and a second region that is provided on a base end side of the first region and on which the insulating ring is mounted, and in a case in which the first region and the second region are projected onto a projection plane perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the insertion part, a maximum outer diameter of the second region is smaller than a maximum outer diameter of the first region.