Endoscope Holder Segmented Gripping Mechanism for Axial Swinging
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional endoscope holders fail to securely fix and rotate endoscopes at predetermined insertion positions within the body, limiting their ability to approach intestinal or stomach walls effectively for observation or treatment.
Innovation Solution
An endoscope holder with a hollow cylindrical body, plate-like gripping members, elastic members for separation and pinching, rollers for rotation, and a switching mechanism to maintain or release the pinching force, allowing the endoscope to be fixed, rotated, and swung axially while preventing excessive pinching that could damage the device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the endoscope holder uses a conventional design with semi-cylindrical clips and rollers to fix and turn the endoscope, then the endoscope can be held at a predetermined insertion position and turned, but the endoscope cannot swing in the axial direction to approach the intestinal or stomach wall
Solution Approach 1:
The holder divides the gripping function into two independent gripping members (first gripping member with rollers for turning, second gripping member without rollers for swinging). This segmentation allows each member to perform its specific function independently, enabling the endoscope to both turn and swing without structural interference
Solution Approach 2:
The second gripping member is designed to be movable in the axial direction relative to the holder main body, allowing dynamic adjustment. This enables the endoscope to swing toward or away from the intestinal/stomach wall as needed, providing adaptability while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure
2Reliability
If the endoscope holder pinches the endoscope firmly to fix it securely, then the endoscope is held stably at the insertion position, but the endoscope may be damaged due to excessive pinching force
Solution Approach 1:
The holder uses elastic members (springs) to provide adjustable pinching force. The elastic members can be designed with appropriate spring constants to ensure sufficient holding force while limiting maximum force to prevent endoscope damage. The force parameter is thus optimized to balance stability and safety
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic members act as cushioning elements that absorb excess force. When the endoscope is pinched, the elastic members deform to provide a cushioning effect, preventing sudden or excessive forces from damaging the endoscope while still maintaining secure fixation
3Adaptability or versatility
If the endoscope holder uses multiple rollers to enable turning, then the endoscope can be rotated for observation, but the structure becomes more complex and the endoscope cannot swing
Solution Approach 1:
The gripping members are segmented by function: the first gripping member has rollers for turning, while the second gripping member is simplified without rollers to enable swinging. This functional segmentation reduces overall structural complexity while maintaining both turning and swinging capabilities
Solution Approach 2:
The holder enables movement in two different dimensions: rotation (turning) provided by the first gripping member with rollers, and axial displacement (swinging) provided by the movable second gripping member. By adding this another dimension of movement, the system achieves versatility without requiring complex mechanisms for both functions in a single component
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 endoscope holder securely fixes and rotates the endoscope at the insertion position, enabling effective observation and treatment by preventing damage and maintaining a clear field of view through deaeration prevention.
Implementation Method 1
a first elastic member which is disposed between the first and second gripping members and urges the first and second gripping members in a direction in which the first and second gripping members are separated from each other
Implementation Method 2
a second elastic member which is provided between the second gripping member and an inner wall of the insertion hole, and swingably supports the second gripping member with respect to the lengthwise direction of the insertion hole
Implementation Method 3
rollers which are rotatably provided at surfaces of the first and second gripping members which are in contact with the endoscope, along the lengthwise direction of the insertion hole
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is an endoscope holder capable of turning or swinging an endoscope inserted into a body with the endoscope fixed at a predetermined insertion position. An endoscope holder (1) includes a holder main body (3) having an insertion hole (2), gripping members (7a) and (7b) configured to pinch an endoscope E inserted into the insertion hole (2), first elastic members (12a) and (12b) configured to urge in a direction in which the gripping members (7a) and (7b) are separated from each other, a pressing member (13) configure to press the gripping member (7a) toward the gripping member (7b), a switching mechanism (17) configured to hold or release a pressing state, rollers (10) provided in gripping members (7a) and (7b), and a second elastic member (15) configured to swingably support the gripping member (7b).