Endoscope Dual-Wire Bending Mechanism for Precise Distal Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing endoscopes face limitations in precisely maneuvering the distal end portion to reach deep or hard-to-access sites within a subject due to the rigidity of the bending mechanism, which restricts the ability to perform effective examinations or treatments.
Innovation Solution
The endoscope incorporates a bending portion with a dual-wire mechanism, where two bending wires are inserted into coil pipes, allowing for independent control of the bending direction and degree, enabling the distal end to be maneuvered through a combination of operation levers and pulleys, allowing for precise bending in multiple directions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single bending wire is used to control the bending portion, then the structure is simple, but the ability to bend in multiple directions independently is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The bending control is segmented into multiple independent wires, where each wire controls a specific bending direction or portion of the bending portion. This allows independent control of bending in different directions while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure compared to more complex multi-axis mechanisms.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the bending portion is made more flexible to reach deep tracts, then access to complex anatomical structures is improved, but the precision of bending control may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
Different portions of the bending portion have different levels of flexibility and bending control characteristics. The bending portion is designed with varying rigidity along its length, allowing certain sections to be more flexible for reaching deep tracts while other sections maintain precision for controlled bending maneuvers.
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 design enhances the ability to move the distal end portion deep into a tract, facilitating more precise and effective examination and treatment by allowing for controlled bending in various directions, improving access to complex anatomical structures.
Implementation Method 1
a first wire (32a, 33a) that is connected with a first connection part (12c, 12d) of the bending portion (12) and bends the entire bending portion (12) in a first bending direction by pulling
Implementation Method 2
a second wire (32b, 33b) that is connected with a second connection part (12c, 12d) of the bending portion (12) positioned on a proximal end side of the first connection part and bends a proximal end side part of the bending portion on the proximal end side of the second connection part in the first bending direction by pulling
Data Source
AI summary
An endoscope includes: a first bending wire that is connected with a first connection part of a bending portion of an insertion portion inserted into a subject and bends the entire bending portion in a first bending direction by pulling; a second bending wire that is connected with a second connection part of the bending portion positioned on a proximal end side of the first connection part and bends a proximal end side part of the bending portion on the proximal end side of the second connection part in the first bending direction by pulling; an operation lever that pulls the first bending wire to the proximal end side; an operation lever that pulls the second bending wire to the proximal end side; and a coil pipe into which the first and second bending wires are inserted at a position on the proximal end side of the bending portion.