Integrally Molding Endoscope Elevator With Operation Wire
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for molding elevators in endoscopes require complex processes due to the need to bend operation wires and lack of integral molding with the elevator, leading to increased manufacturing complexity.
Innovation Solution
A method of molding an elevator integrally with an operation wire using a die system where the operation wire is disposed through a cavity formed by separable dies, allowing for simple and efficient integration during the molding process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the operation wire is inserted from a side surface of the elevator with different insertion direction and axial direction, then the elevator can be assembled with the operation wire, but the operation wire must be bent during molding making the manufacturing process complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The die is divided into a first die and a second die that can separate from each other in the wire-axis direction. This segmentation allows the operation wire to be inserted through the cavity before molding, eliminating the need to bend the wire during molding while still achieving integral formation of the elevator and operation wire.
2Device complexity
If the operation wire and elevator are not integrally molded, then the molding process is simpler, but additional coupling processes are required increasing manufacturing complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The elevator and operation wire are integrally molded as a single unit by injecting molding material into the cavity containing the operation wire. This merging eliminates the need for separate coupling processes while maintaining molding simplicity through the use of separable dies.
3Ease of operation
If the first die and second die are separated in the separation direction, then the molded elevator can be easily removed, but the operation wire may be damaged if not properly positioned
Solution Approach 1:
The operation wire is pre-positioned in the cavity in a state where it extends through the cavity before the molding process begins. This preliminary positioning ensures that when the first die and second die separate, the wire remains intact and properly positioned, while still allowing easy removal of the molded elevator.
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
Facilitates a simpler manufacturing process by allowing the elevator and operation wire to be molded as a single, integrated unit, reducing complexity and improving efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
integrally molding the elevator and the operation wire by injecting a molding material, which is a material of the elevator, into the cavity
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a method of molding an elevator and an endoscope, the method making it possible to mold an elevator integrally with an operation wire with a simple operation. A method of molding an elevator (36) is a method of molding an elevator (32) integrally with an operation wire (40), the elevator (32) being to be disposed in a distal-end-portion body (32) of an endoscope (10). The method includes: a step of disposing the operation wire (40) to extend through a cavity (106), which is formed by a first die (102) and a second die (104) that are separable in a separation direction, in a state in which the first die (102) and the second die (104) are mated to each other and in which the separation direction and a wire-axis direction of the operation wire (40) coincide with each other; a step of integrally molding the elevator (36) and the operation wire (40) by injecting a molding material (108), which is a material of the elevator (36), into the cavity (106); and a step of separating the first die (102) and the second die (104) in the separation direction after molding the elevator.