Endoscope Handle Ring Mechanism for Precise Distal Head Bending
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing medical endoscope control handles face difficulties in facilitating precise bending of the distal head due to the need for the operator to exert force while maintaining the handle, especially when operating fluid circulation devices, leading to cumbersome and less accurate control operations.
Innovation Solution
A control handle with a pivoting part actuated by an actuation ring and lever mechanism, featuring a cylindrical opening for finger insertion, allowing for easier manipulation and balanced mass distribution, and integrated fluid and electrical cable housings for improved ergonomics and ease of use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If the operator firmly holds the control handle during inspection operation, then the handle stability is improved, but the ability to exert force on the control button for bending the distal head deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a lever mechanism as an intermediary between the operator's finger and the control button. The lever amplifies the small force applied by the operator's finger into sufficient force to bend the distal head, while the operator maintains a firm grip on the handle. The lever acts as a mechanical mediator that resolves the contradiction between maintaining handle stability and exerting force for bending.
2Measurement precision
If the operator uses both hands for fluid circulation control and bending control, then the control precision is improved, but the operation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the control functions into distinct mechanical elements: a first control button for bending the distal head and a second control button for fluid circulation. Each button is independently actuated by separate levers, allowing the operator to control each function with one hand while maintaining precision. This segmentation enables independent control of bending and fluid circulation without requiring coordinated two-handed operation.
3Volume of moving object
If the control mechanism uses a compact design, then the device size is reduced, but the ease of manipulation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extends the lever mechanisms outward from the compact handle body, creating a dimensional extension that provides adequate manipulation space. The levers protrude from the handle casing, allowing the operator's fingers to easily grasp and actuate the control buttons without requiring the entire control mechanism to be large. This dimensional extension resolves the contradiction between compact design and ease of manipulation.
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
Enhances the ergonomic handling and precision of bending operations, enabling ambidextrous use and reducing operator fatigue, while maintaining control over fluid circulation and imaging functions.
Implementation Method 1
an annular bearing (14) guided in rotation by this annular bearing, along a transverse axis of rotation
Implementation Method 2
A control handle with a pivoting part actuated by an actuation ring and lever mechanism
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure relates to a handle for a medical endoscope including a casing having two opposite main faces and provided with a mechanism for controlling the bending of a distal head of the medical endoscope, this control mechanism including at least one member for actuating a pivoting part made in the form of an actuation ring having an axial ferrule having a cylindrical outer surface cooperating with an annular bearing to be guided in rotation by this annular bearing, along a transverse axis of rotation and whose rotation causes the bending of the distal head, the axial ferrule having an internal bore partly delimiting a cylindrical opening which passes right through the casing by opening out through internal bores on the two opposite main faces of the casing, the pivoting part and the annular bearing being arranged to be located outside the cylindrical opening.