Endoscope Forceps Stopper Segmented Fixing Member
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing forceps stoppers for endoscopes are troublesome to detach due to the need to break a part of the stopper or release an engagement, and there is a risk of accidental reuse.
Innovation Solution
A stopper design with a cylindrical fixing member and a stopper body that includes an engagement portion divided into pieces, allowing for simple detachment by pulling the stopper body, which breaks the holding mechanism, preventing reengagement and reuse.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the stopper is designed with an engagement portion that engages with the opening portion, then the stopper can be securely attached, but it becomes troublesome to detach the stopper
Solution Approach 1:
The fixing member is divided into multiple pieces along the circumferential direction of the insertion hole. This segmentation allows the fixing member to be easily separated from the opening portion during detachment, solving the contradiction between secure attachment and easy removal. The divided structure enables simple detachment without requiring complex release mechanisms.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the stopper is designed to be detachable, then it can be reused, but there is a risk of accidental reuse which may cause infection
Solution Approach 1:
The fixing member holding portion is designed to break when the stopper is detached, which preliminarily destroys the stopper's functionality. This preliminary action ensures that even if the stopper is physically separated, it cannot be reattached or reused, thereby preventing accidental reuse and infection risk while maintaining the ability to detach when needed.
3Reliability
If the fixing member holding portion holds the fixing member firmly, then the stopper body remains attached, but it requires additional operations to detach the engagement portion
Solution Approach 1:
The fixing member is divided into multiple pieces, which allows it to be easily separated from the opening portion's outer peripheral surface. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by enabling the fixing member to be firmly held during use but easily detached during removal, eliminating the need for additional operations to release engagement.
Data Source
AI summary
A flange is formed in a ferrule. A forceps stopper has a fixing member engaging with the flange and a stopper body that holds the fixing member. The fixing member has detachable first and second pieces. The stopper body has a fixing member accommodation hole that accommodates the fixing member in a combined state. The stopper body has a fixing member holding portion that holds the fixing member that is accommodated in the fixing member accommodation hole. The fixing member holding portion has an annular contact portion that comes into contact with the fixing member and a connection portion that connects the outer periphery of the annular contact portion to the opening peripheral edge portion of the fixing member accommodation hole. When the stopper body is pulled, the connection portion is broken, so that the holding of the fixing member using the fixing member holding portion is released.