Endoscope Eyepiece Grasping Mechanism with Helical Guide
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing endoscope eyepiece grasping mechanisms require precise machining, leading to high costs and complexity, affecting ease of use and reliability.
Innovation Solution
A two-piece endoscope eyepiece grasping mechanism comprising a base part and a rotatable part with a helical groove and ball arrangement, allowing for guided movement and single-handed actuation, reducing the need for precise machining and lubrication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple interacting components with biasing means are used to grasp the endoscope eyepiece, then the grasping mechanism can retain the eyepiece securely, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase due to precise machining requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The grasping mechanism is divided into a base part and a rotatable part that can move independently. The rotatable part includes arcuate wall portions that segment the grasping function into discrete movable elements, allowing secure retention through rotational movement rather than complex multi-component interaction.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts the biasing means from the traditional multi-component grasping mechanism and integrates it into a simplified structure. The biasing element is incorporated within the rotatable part itself, eliminating the need for separate interacting components while maintaining secure grasping retention.
2Reliability
If multiple interacting components with precise machining are used, then the grasping mechanism can provide secure retention, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanism is segmented into base and rotatable parts that can be manufactured separately using standard machining processes. This segmentation allows each part to be produced with conventional tolerances rather than requiring high-precision machining of complex assembled components, reducing manufacturing cost while maintaining retention reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention employs a simpler, more cost-effective design that replaces expensive precision-machined multi-component mechanisms with a straightforward rotatable structure. The simplified design uses standard materials and manufacturing processes, making it economically viable without compromising grasping retention.
3Reliability
If a precision mechanism with multiple rotatable parts is used, then the grasping can be secure, but the ease of operation is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The grasping function is segmented into a single rotatable part that moves as one unit rather than requiring coordination of multiple rotatable components. This segmentation simplifies the actuation process to a single rotational motion while maintaining secure grasping through the biased rotational mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotatable part incorporates built-in biasing means that automatically provides the necessary force for secure grasping retention. The mechanism is self-actuating through the biasing element, eliminating the need for complex control systems or multiple actuators, thereby improving ease of operation while maintaining security.
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
The mechanism provides a reliable, cost-effective, and easy-to-use solution for coupling an endoscope to a camera head, with a robust construction that eliminates the need for high-cost precision machining and allows for single-handed operation.
Implementation Method 1
The path guide may advantageously comprise a helical groove in the outer surface of the base portion, the helical groove extending circumferentially about at least a portion of a base part outer periphery. A helical race groove may be provided in the radially inward surface of the rotatable part. A ball arrangement may be provided comprising a ball partially disposed in the race groove and partially disposed in the helical groove.
Implementation Method 2
A biasing device acts to bias the rotatable part toward the closed state.
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 2A~2B
AI summary
An endoscope eyepiece grasping mechanism includes a base part with an arcuate wall portion defining a base part wall opening between the base part arcuate wall portion circumferential ends and a rotatable part with a rotatable arcuate wall portion defining a rotatable part arcuate wall opening between the rotatable arcuate wall portion circumferential ends. A path guide rotates and axially moves the rotatable part relative to the base part between an open and closes state. A biasing device acts to bias the rotatable part toward the closed state, whereby an endoscope eyepiece may be pushed through an endoscope eyepiece side opening to a coupled position in the open state and the rotatable part rotates to the closed state and moves axially toward the base to retain the eyepiece in the coupled position.