Endoscope Handle Anchoring Block for Guide Tube Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing endoscope designs lack an efficient and reliable method for securing the proximal ends of guide tubes with respect to the operating member, particularly in the handle housing, which complicates assembly and may require detachable parts for reuse.
Innovation Solution
An anchoring block with through bores and an inlet passage is used to secure guide tubes, allowing easy positioning and gluing, facilitating single-use construction by eliminating complex detachable components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of repair
If detachable mounting methods are used for guide tubes, then reusability and ease of repair are improved, but device complexity and assembly time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The handle is divided into functional modules: handle housing, operating member, guide tube, and anchoring block. Each component can be independently manufactured and assembled, allowing for simplified repair by replacing only the problematic module while maintaining overall system reusability
Solution Approach 2:
The anchoring block is pre-formed with integrated bores and inlet passages during manufacturing. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for complex assembly operations later, as components simply need to be inserted into the pre-configured anchoring block structures
2Reliability
If complex anchoring structures are used, then reliability of guide tube positioning is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple anchoring functions are merged into a single integrated anchoring block component. The block combines guide tube reception bores, adhesive application surfaces, and inlet passages for curing agent delivery into one unified structure, simplifying manufacturing while maintaining positioning reliability
Solution Approach 2:
An adhesive layer is introduced as an intermediary between the guide tube and anchoring block. This adhesive mediator compensates for minor dimensional variations and ensures reliable bonding without requiring extremely tight manufacturing tolerances on the rigid components themselves
3Device complexity
If adhesive mounting is used, then device complexity is reduced and single-use construction is enabled, but ease of repair and reusability are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The handle assembly is designed as a disposable single-use component with adhesive-mounted guide tubes. After one use, the entire handle is discarded rather than repaired, eliminating the need for complex detachable mechanisms while accepting reduced reusability. This is economically viable due to the simplified structure and lower manufacturing costs
Data Source
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AI summary
A handle for endoscope comprising, a handle housing, an operating member (7) accommodated in said handle, at least one guide tube (16) adapted for surrounding and supporting at least one pull wire (17), and means for securing at least one part of the guide tube (16) in a predetermined position with respect to the operating member (16). The means for securing the at one part of the direction guide comprises an anchoring block (15). The anchoring block (15) comprises at least one bore (20) adapted for insertion of said at least one guide tube (16) and at least one inlet passage in fluid communication with said at least one bore.