Ultrasound Endoscope Distal Tip Fitting Groove Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing ultrasound endoscope designs face hygiene issues due to gaps on the outer surface caused by the projection of screw heads, leading to dirt accumulation and increased complexity in maintenance, as the screws used for fixing the housing to the distal end portion result in a reduced diameter and forward projection of the housing, creating a circumferential gap.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a fitting groove and projecting portion on the ultrasound transducer unit that forms a gap with the distal end portion, allowing for easy removal and attachment without the need for countersunk screws, utilizing fully threaded screws to secure the housing without protruding heads and filling the gap with adhesive to prevent dirt accumulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If countersunk screws with head portions are used to fix the housing to the distal end portion body, then the housing can be securely fixed, but the head portions project from the outer circumferential face of the distal end portion body, reducing the diameter and creating a circumferential gap
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the protruding screw heads from the external surface by using countersunk screws where the head portions are recessed into counterbore holes. This extraction of the problematic element (protruding heads) eliminates the diameter reduction while preserving the fixing function.
Solution Approach 2:
The screw heads are nested within counterbore holes in the distal end portion body, creating a recessed structure. This nesting allows the screws to provide secure fixation while their heads remain hidden within the body, maintaining the external diameter.
2Ease of operation
If the housing is positioned by the proximal end coming into contact with the distal end portion body, then the housing can be easily attached, but a circumferential gap occurs between the housing and distal end portion body due to design tolerance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary element (adhesive) to fill the circumferential gap between the housing and distal end portion body. This mediator eliminates the harmful gap caused by tolerance while preserving the simple contact-based attachment mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the harmful circumferential gap into a beneficial feature by filling it with adhesive that protrudes outward. This transformed gap becomes a protective protrusion that prevents dirt accumulation, turning the harmful tolerance gap into a hygienic advantage.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If adhesive is used to fill the circumferential gap, then hygiene is improved by preventing dirt accumulation, but the complexity of maintenance increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the need for adhesive by designing a gapless interface between the housing and distal end portion body. This extraction of the adhesive requirement simplifies maintenance while eliminating dirt accumulation pathways.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of filling the gap with adhesive (adding material to eliminate the problem), the patent inverts the approach by designing the housing and distal end portion body to fit together without gaps in the first place, making the system self-sufficient and maintenance-free.
Data Source
AI summary
An ultrasound endoscope includes: an insertion portion configured to be inserted into a subject; a distal end portion provided at a distal end of the insertion portion and including at least one fitting groove; an ultrasound transducer unit configured to be attachable to and detachable from the distal end portion and including at least one projecting portion configured to be freely fitted into the fitting groove and projecting outside in a diameter direction K of the distal end portion; and a gap for removal of the ultrasound transducer unit, the gap being formed between the projecting portion fitted in the fitting groove and the fitting groove.