Endoscopic Instrument Multi-Portion Hinge Force Transmission
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Solution Overview
Problem
Rigid endoscopic instruments face limitations in distal end movement due to the direct transmission of proximal end movements, leading to restricted freedom of movement and lack of intuitive control, while flexible endoscopes suffer from inaccurate control and inadequate force feedback.
Innovation Solution
An endoscopic instrument design featuring a first portion, second portion, and third portion connected via main and sub-hinges, with a rigid pressure rod for mechanical force transmission, allowing angling and torque conversion between these portions for enhanced movement and feedback.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If rigid endoscopic instruments are introduced through a natural or artificially created channel, then the instrument can maintain structural stability and force transmission, but the distal end movement freedom is restricted due to the limited movement space in the introduction channel
Solution Approach 1:
The endoscopic instrument is divided into multiple segments (first portion, second portion, third portion) that can articulate relative to each other through hinges. This segmentation allows the distal end to navigate and move freely within the limited space of the introduction channel while maintaining overall structural integrity and force transmission capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The instrument incorporates dynamic hinge joints that allow controlled articulation between segments. These hinges enable the distal end to change orientation and position adaptively within the constrained introduction channel, transforming a rigid structure into a dynamically adjustable system that maintains both stability and movement freedom.
2Adaptability or versatility
If flexible endoscope solutions are used to increase distal end movement freedom, then movement flexibility is improved, but control accuracy and intuitive operation deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
By dividing the instrument into discrete segmented portions connected by hinges, the system maintains a clear mechanical relationship between proximal control inputs and distal end movements. Each segment's position can be precisely controlled and tracked, preserving control accuracy while enabling flexible distal end movement through coordinated segment articulation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If flexible endoscope solutions are implemented to allow greater distal end articulation, then movement freedom is improved, but direct force feedback from distal end to proximal operating element is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The dynamic hinge joints serve as mechanical feedback elements that transmit force information from the distal end back to the proximal operating elements through the articulated segments. This mechanical coupling preserves direct force feedback while allowing the segments to articulate and provide movement freedom, eliminating information loss about distal end forces.
4Force
If complex mechanisms are used to transmit force from proximal end to distal end in flexible endoscopes, then force transmission capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The articulated segments connected by hinges create a dynamic mechanical linkage that naturally transmits forces from the proximal end to the distal end through the chain of connected segments. This approach uses the segments' own structural integrity and hinge connections as the transmission mechanism, avoiding complex dedicated force transmission systems while maintaining effective force delivery.
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
Enables intuitive operation with reliable force transmission and feedback, allowing for greater freedom of movement at the distal end without complex motor assistance, while maintaining precise control and torque consistency.
Implementation Method 1
the main pressure rod is coupled to the first sub-hinge and the second sub-hinge, so that displacement of the first main hinge by angling the second portion relative to the first portion transmits a force, via the main pressure rod, to the second main hinge
Data Source
AI summary
An endoscopic instrument including first, second and third portions, a first main hinge with a first main-hinge part, a further first main-hinge part and a first sub-hinge, a second main hinge with a second main-hinge part, a further second main-hinge part and a second sub-hinge, and a rigid main pressure rod. The first and second portions are connected via the first main hinge, such that the first and second portions can be angled. The first and third portions are connected via the second main hinge such that the first and third portions can be angled. The main pressure rod is coupled to the first and second sub-hinges, so that displacement of the first main hinge by angling the second portion relative to the first portion transmits a force, via the main pressure rod, to the second main hinge and causes an angling of the third portion relative to the first portion.