Endoscope Forceps Elevator Locking Mechanism for Stiff Needles
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Solution Overview
Problem
The forceps elevator in endoscope apparatuses cannot be set to the maximum angular position due to the high bending stiffness of puncture needles, leading to a large force applied in the reclining direction, which hinders operator control and stability, especially with thicker needles.
Innovation Solution
An endoscope apparatus with a locking mechanism that allows the forceps elevator to be operated to the maximum angular position by defining two operation ranges for the erecting operation member, with a locking mechanism that stabilizes the elevator's position and reduces operator load, using a movable part with a locking pin and projection supported by an elastic member for engagement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the forceps elevator is set to the maximum angular position with a high bending stiffness puncture needle, then the puncture needle can be led out at the desired angle, but a large force is applied to the forceps elevator toward the reclining direction due to the needle's tendency to return to a straight shape
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism applies a preliminary counteracting force to balance the restoring force of the high bending stiffness puncture needle before the operator attempts to position the forceps elevator. By pre-balancing the forces through the elastic member and locking engagement, the system eliminates the need for the operator to continuously apply large forces to maintain the maximum angular position, thereby resolving the contradiction between achieving precise angular positioning and managing the large forces generated by stiff needles
2Ease of operation
If the erecting operation member is maximally operated toward the erecting side, then the forceps elevator should reach the maximum angular position, but the forceps elevator cannot be set to the maximum angular position due to wire extension and operator load
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism enables the forceps elevator system to maintain its own position automatically once the desired angular position is reached. The elastic member continuously applies a balancing force through the locking engagement without requiring continuous operator input, allowing the system to self-maintain the maximum angular position against the restoring force of the puncture needle, thereby improving both ease of operation and position stability
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the direct mechanical coupling between the erecting operation member and the forceps elevator with an elastic member-based locking mechanism. This substitution allows the system to decouple the operator's input from the force balance requirements, enabling the forceps elevator to reach and maintain the maximum angular position without being limited by wire extension or operator load, thus resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and position stability
3Quantity of substance
If a puncture needle with large outer diameter is used, then larger tissue sampling capability is achieved, but the bending stiffness becomes larger and the phenomenon that the forceps elevator cannot be set to the maximum angular position becomes remarkable
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism with elastic member provides preliminary counterbalancing force specifically tailored to handle the high restoring forces generated by large diameter, high bending stiffness puncture needles. By pre-establishing the force balance through the elastic member's engagement with the locking mechanism, the system enables operators to achieve the maximum angular position even with thick needles that would otherwise be difficult to control, thereby resolving the contradiction between tissue sampling capability and ease of angular position adjustment
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
Enables the forceps elevator to be erected and stabilized at the maximum angular position, reducing operator effort and maintaining the position without continuous force application, even with high-bending-stiffness treatment tools.
Implementation Method 1
a locking projection which is provided to another one of the fixed part and the movable part, and supported by an elastic support member that is elastically deformable
Data Source
AI summary
The endoscope is provided with the forceps elevator which is erectably provided in the distal end part of the insertion part of the endoscope and guides a treatment tool led out from the distal end part. The forceps elevator has an erecting motion range from a minimum angular position to a maximum angular position. If a state in which the treatment tool is not led out from the distal end part is assumed, the erecting operation lever for operating the movement of the forceps elevator has: a first operation range where the erecting operation lever is operated within the erecting motion range of the forceps elevator; and a second operation range where the erecting operation lever is operated beyond the first operation range. When the erecting operation lever is operated into the second operation range, the locking mechanism locks the movement of the erecting operation lever.