Endoscopic Holder for Flexible Substrate Stability
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing endoscopic operation sections face challenges in efficiently integrating and securing flexible substrates with switch functions, which are crucial for operating illumination and observation optical systems, due to issues with substrate deformation and attachment stability.
Innovation Solution
An elastically deformable belt-shaped flexible substrate is disposed inside the endoscopic operation section, secured by a holder with specific openings and a cavity structure that allows the substrate to be bent and fixed, minimizing twisting and maximizing ease of attachment and operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the flexible substrate is held to the holder in a conventional manner, then the substrate can be secured, but the substrate may deform or twist during operation, reducing reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The holder is divided into multiple functional regions: a first holding region with a first opening for inserting the flexible substrate, a second holding region with a second opening for inserting the operation section main body, and a cavity portion connecting these regions. This segmentation allows independent optimization of substrate fixation and operational access, preventing deformation while maintaining attachment stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible substrate is nested within the cavity portion of the holder, which provides a dedicated space that accommodates the substrate's bent state. The substrate passes through the first opening, is received in the cavity, and exits through the second opening, creating a nested configuration that secures the substrate without causing twisting or deformation during operation.
2Ease of manufacture
If the holder structure is simplified for easier manufacturing, then manufacturing precision may be compromised, affecting the ability to properly secure the flexible substrate
Solution Approach 1:
The holder serves multiple functions simultaneously: it holds the flexible substrate in a fixed position through the first opening, provides structural support for the operation section main body through the second opening, and maintains the spatial relationship between these components via the cavity portion. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components, simplifying manufacturing while maintaining precise substrate positioning.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the flexible substrate is made more deformable for better operation, then attachment stability may be reduced, but the patent achieves both through the holder configuration
Solution Approach 1:
The holder configuration allows the flexible substrate to dynamically adapt to operational requirements. The substrate can be inserted through the first opening and positioned in the cavity portion where it can deform as needed for operation, while the holder's structural framework maintains overall attachment stability. The second opening provides access for the operation section main body to interact with the deformable substrate without compromising its secure attachment.
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 enhances the stability and ease of attachment of the flexible substrate, reducing assembly complexity and ensuring effective operation of the endoscope's optical systems while maintaining the substrate's deformability for optimal functionality.
Implementation Method 1
an elastically deformable belt-shaped flexible substrate which is disposed inside the endoscopic operation section
Data Source
AI summary
A holder which is disposed inside an endoscopic operation section and which fixes the flexible substrate, includes a first opening to pass the flexible substrate into the holder from the outside of the holder, a cavity portion which has a ceiling portion in the inner circumferential surface thereof and in which the flexible substrate is disposed in a bent state inside the holder, and a second opening to pass the flexible substrate to the outside of the holder from the inside of the holder. The flexible substrate is disposed separately from the ceiling portion of the cavity portion in a state where the flexible substrate protruding to the outside of the holder from the first opening and the second opening is fixed to the outer circumference of the holder.