Endoscope Helical Rotation Member Magnetic Coupling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing endoscopes face challenges in efficiently navigating and maneuvering within lumens due to limitations in propulsion and removal mechanisms, particularly in engaging with the inner wall of the lumen for effective insertion and removal.

Innovation Solution

The endoscope incorporates a helical rotation member with a magnetic force generation mechanism, where a tubular first rotation member and a tubular second rotation member are coaxially arranged, allowing the helical rotation member to rotate and engage with the lumen wall, providing a propulsive force through magnetic attraction and rotation, enhancing insertion and removal capabilities.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If a magnetic force generation mechanism is added to enable coupling and rotation between first and second rotation members, then propulsion efficiency and insertion/removal capability are improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinsertion and removal efficiencyVSAvoidstructure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical coupling mechanisms with a magnetic force generation mechanism. Magnets are arranged on the first rotation member and magnetic force generation portions are arranged on the second rotation member, enabling contactless coupling and torque transmission through magnetic attraction and repulsion forces. This eliminates the need for direct mechanical contact while achieving reliable power and rotation transmission.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The magnetic field serves as an intermediary between the first and second rotation members. The magnetic force generation mechanism creates a magnetic field that mediates the interaction between the two rotation members, allowing them to couple and transmit rotational motion without direct physical contact. This intermediary approach enables flexible and reliable torque transmission.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If the magnetic force generation mechanism is positioned at tubular end portions to enable attraction and rotation, then coupling reliability is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecoupling reliabilityVSAvoidmagnet arrangement precision

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The magnetic force generation mechanism is segmented into multiple magnets arranged on the first rotation member and multiple magnetic force generation portions arranged on the second rotation member. This segmentation allows the magnetic field to be distributed across multiple interaction points, improving overall coupling reliability while providing tolerance for individual magnet positioning variations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The first rotation member is positioned inside the second rotation member, with the magnetic force generation mechanism nested within the tubular structure. The magnets and magnetic force generation portions are arranged in concentric configurations that maximize magnetic interaction while minimizing the required manufacturing precision for radial positioning.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

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

This configuration ensures reliable and efficient propulsion and removal of the endoscope within lumens by effectively engaging the helical rotation member with the lumen wall, improving insertion and removal properties while maintaining sterility and ease of cleaning.

Implementation Method 1

a magnetic force generation mechanism which is arranged in each of the first rotation member and the second rotation member and generates a magnetic force that enables the first rotation member and the second rotation member to be attracted to and coupled with each other

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic force: Magnetism

Implementation Method 2

a magnetic force which enables the second rotation member to rotate in accordance with rotation of the first rotation member when the first rotation member rotates

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic force: Magnetism

Implementation Method 3

the fin portion engages with an inner wall of the lumen, and an insertion (propulsive) force or removal force acts on the insertion unit

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentUS8821385B2Endoscope and helical rotation member attached to insertion unit of this endoscope

Publication Date: 2014.09.02 OLYMPUS CORPORATION(JP)

AI summary

An insertion apparatus includes insertion unit, a rotation drive mechanism, a first rotation member which is arranged inside the insertion unit and rotates by the rotation drive mechanism, a second rotation member which is attached to an outer peripheral surface of the insertion unit and is adjacent to the first rotation member, and a helical rotation member which is rotatable in accordance with rotation of the second rotation member. The insertion apparatus include a magnetic force generation mechanism which generates a magnetic force that enables the first rotation member and the second rotation member to be attracted to and coupled and enables the second rotation member to rotate follow rotation of first rotation member. The magnetic force generation mechanism is arranged at a tubular end portion of the first rotation member and a tubular end portion of the second rotation member adjacent to the end portion.