Ultrasonic Endoscope Distal-End Layout for Diameter Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge of reducing the diameter of the distal end portion of an ultrasonic endoscope is hindered by the need to accommodate multiple functions, including an ultrasonic transducer, elevator, imaging unit, and other components, making it difficult to minimize its size.
Innovation Solution
The ultrasonic endoscope design optimizes the arrangement of components such as the air and water supply nozzle, observation window, and illumination windows to overlap and position them in a way that reduces the overall diameter of the distal end portion, allowing for efficient use of space and minimizing the need for wide disposition spaces for less flexible components like light guides.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple functions (ultrasonic transducer, elevator, imaging unit, fluid supply) are integrated into the distal end portion, then the endoscope can perform comprehensive treatments, but the diameter of the distal end portion increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dimensional change by arranging components in three-dimensional space rather than simply extending them radially. The fluid nozzle is positioned to overlap with the base end side region of the elevator housing opening when viewed from the side, utilizing the longitudinal axis dimension and vertical positioning to reduce the radial diameter while maintaining all necessary functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements nesting by placing the fluid nozzle within or adjacent to the elevator housing structure, where the fluid supply channel is routed through or alongside the elevator mechanism. This nested arrangement allows multiple functions to share the same spatial envelope, reducing the overall diameter of the distal end portion while maintaining functional integration.
2Length of stationary object
If the fluid nozzle and observation window are positioned to overlap with the elevator housing base end region, then the diameter is reduced, but the disposition space for components becomes more constrained
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the distal end portion into distinct functional regions: the base end side region containing the elevator housing, the fluid nozzle region, and the observation window region. This segmentation allows each component to be positioned optimally within the constrained space, with the fluid nozzle overlapping the elevator region while the observation window is positioned separately, reducing diameter while managing complexity through spatial organization.
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 configuration effectively reduces the diameter of the distal end portion, enabling more compact design without compromising functionality and providing mucous membrane protection.
Implementation Method 1
an ultrasonic transducer provided at a distal end portion of an insertion part
Implementation Method 2
a fluid nozzle and an observation window disposed thereon
Data Source
AI summary
An ultrasonic endoscope includes: a distal end portion; an elevator housing portion disposed at the distal end portion and having an opening on a Z(+) direction side in a Z direction orthogonal to a longitudinal axis direction, and configured to house an elevator therein; and a disposition surface that is disposed on a base end side in the longitudinal axis direction with respect to the elevator housing portion, includes a normal component toward a distal end side in the longitudinal axis direction, and is provided with a supply nozzle and an observation window disposed thereon. When viewed from the Z(+) direction side in the Z direction, at least a part of a region of the supply nozzle is disposed at a position overlapping with a base end side region in which the opening of the elevator housing portion is extended to the base end side in the longitudinal axis direction.