Endoscope Elevator Base Guide Wire Fixation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional endoscopes fail to securely fix guide wires due to reliance on reaction force, leading to reduced holding force and potential disengagement under external forces, especially when using guide wires with small diameters or during movements of the insertion portion.
Innovation Solution
The endoscope incorporates a treatment instrument elevator base with a contact surface, first and second leading portions, and a holding fixture portion to securely position and fix guide wires by sandwiching them between the contact surface and the holding fixture portion, even when external forces are applied.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the guide wire is fixed by being simply pressed into and engaged with the substantially V-shaped slit due to the reaction force of the guide wire itself, then the structure is simple, but the holding force is reduced when using guide wires with small outer diameters
Solution Approach 1:
The fixation structure is divided into multiple functional components: a V-shaped slit for initial engagement, a reaction force generation portion for applying holding force, and a flat surface for additional contact. This segmentation allows each component to contribute specifically to the overall fixation performance.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the treatment instrument elevator base are given different geometric properties: the V-shaped slit provides directional engagement, the reaction force generation portion creates mechanical leverage, and the flat surface provides stable contact. This local differentiation optimizes the holding mechanism for various guide wire diameters.
2Device complexity
If the guide wire is fixed relying on the reaction force of the guide wire itself, then the mechanism is simple, but complete fixation is prevented when external force is applied or the insertion portion moves
Solution Approach 1:
The flat surface is positioned to contact the guide wire in advance of potential disengagement forces. This preliminary contact creates a stabilizing effect that prevents the guide wire from slipping out of the V-shaped slit when external forces or insertion portion movements occur.
Solution Approach 2:
The reaction force generation portion is designed to automatically engage and provide holding force before external disturbances occur. This pre-positioned mechanical advantage structure cushions against sudden forces by maintaining constant contact pressure on the guide wire.
3Measurement precision
If a guide wire with small outer diameter is used, then the procedure precision is improved, but the reaction force is reduced leading to reduced holding force
Solution Approach 1:
The fixation structure parameters (V-shaped slit angle, reaction force generation portion geometry, flat surface area) are optimized to work effectively with small-diameter guide wires. The V-shaped slit provides adequate engagement even for thin wires, while the reaction force mechanism amplifies the limited wire stiffness into sufficient holding force.
Data Source
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AI summary
An endoscope (1) includes: a treatment instrument elevator base (23) including a contact surface (23a) which contacts with a treatment instrument inserted into a treatment instrument insertion channel (26), and rotatably provided to a distal end (15) to elevate the instrument; a contact portion (34) provided to the distal end to contact with the instrument when the elevator base is elevated; a first leading portion (23b) provided to the contact surface to lead the instrument to a predetermined position on the contact surface as the elevator base is rotated; a holding portion (23c) provided to the contact surface and the contact portion, and including a grasping surface for sandwiching the instrument with a diameter not exceeding a predetermined value; and a second leading portion (34b) provided to the contact portion to lead the instrument larger than the grasping surface away from the holding portion.