Endoscope Erecting Mechanism Externalization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing endoscopes with treatment tool erecting mechanisms require increased space in the operation section due to the housing of the erecting operation mechanism, leading to a larger grip part size, which complicates washing and disinfection, especially due to the small diameter guide pipes and wires.
Innovation Solution
The endoscope design includes an operation section with an extension part that houses the erecting operation mechanism externally, using a movable member and an erecting operation wire coupled to the treatment tool erecting base, with an attachment member that engages the movable member in a one-touch attachable/detachable manner, allowing for a compact design that prevents the increase in size of the holding part.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the erecting operation mechanism is housed in the grip part of the operation section, then the treatment tool can be erected, but the grip part increases in size
Solution Approach 1:
The erecting operation mechanism is extracted from the grip part and relocated to the extension part. The movable member is provided in the extension part instead of the grip part, and the erecting operation wire transmits the operating force from the grip part to the movable member in the extension part, thereby resolving the contradiction between maintaining erection capability and reducing grip part size
Solution Approach 2:
The erecting operation wire serves as an intermediary element that transmits the operating force from the grip part to the movable member in the extension part. This allows the mechanism to be distributed across different sections, maintaining functionality while optimizing space utilization in the grip part
2Volume of moving object
If the guide pipe has a small diameter for compact design, then the endoscope is more compact, but washing becomes troublesome
Solution Approach 1:
The wire is segmented into modular components with attachable/detachable connections. The attachment member with engagement portions can be detached from the movable member, allowing the wire and related components to be removed separately for washing, thus maintaining compactness while improving washability
Solution Approach 2:
The attachment member is designed with dynamic attachable/detachable engagement portions that allow easy assembly and disassembly. This dynamic feature enables the system to transition between a compact assembled state and a disassembled state for washing, resolving the contradiction between compactness and washability
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 allows for a compact operation section, facilitating easier washing and disinfection by externalizing the erecting mechanism, reducing the size of the extension part and preventing the enlargement of the holding part, thus enhancing the endoscope's usability and maintenance.
Implementation Method 1
The attachment member is provided with an elastic deformation portion that is elastically deformed and engaged with the engagement hole
Data Source
AI summary
An endoscope in which an erecting operation mechanism is provided at an operation section and that can prevent an increase in size of a holding part of the operation section is provided. An endoscope according to the present invention includes an operation section 22 having an operation section main body 32, a holding part 34 connected to the operation section main body 32, and an extension part 36 extending from the holding part 34 toward a distal end side; an insertion section 24 provided on a distal end side of the extension part 36; an erecting base 30 provided at a distal end part 26 of the insertion section 24; a movable member 96 that is provided at the extension part 36 and that moves in association with an operation of an erecting operation lever 20; a wire 60 that is coupled to the erecting base 30 at a distal end side thereof, that is coupled to the movable member 96 at a proximal end side thereof, and that is pushed/pulled by the movable member 96; and an attachment member 98 that is provided at a proximal end of the wire 60 and that is engaged with the movable member 96 in an attachable/detachable manner by a one-touch operation.