Endoscope Inclined Surface Fluid Jetting Nozzle
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing endoscopes face challenges in reliably guiding fluids to observation windows for effective washing, as fluids often do not spread evenly over the surface due to the flat arrangement of observation windows, leading to incomplete cleaning and water removal.
Innovation Solution
The endoscope design features a first flat surface with an observation window, an inclined surface connecting it to a second flat surface, and a fluid jetting nozzle positioned to jet fluid onto the inclined surface, ensuring the fluid spreads over the entire observation window and flows to the flat surface for efficient cleaning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the observation window surface is arranged substantially in the same plane as the flat surface of the insertion part, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the fluid cannot spread evenly over the entire surface leading to incomplete cleaning
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies an inclined surface (curved/angled geometry) instead of a flat surface to guide the fluid flow. The inclined surface connects the first flat surface to the second flat surface, creating a gradual transition that directs fluid from the jetting nozzle across the entire observation window surface, solving the problem of incomplete cleaning while maintaining manufacturing feasibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a third dimension by creating an inclined surface that connects two parallel flat surfaces at different heights. This dimensional transition allows fluid to flow smoothly from the first flat surface across the inclined surface to the second flat surface, ensuring complete coverage of the observation window while maintaining structural simplicity.
2Reliability
If the observation window surface protrudes by a predetermined height with an inclined portion, then fluid spreads evenly and cleanability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the inclined surface with the existing flat surfaces to form an integrated structure. The inclined surface connects the first flat surface and the second flat surface as a single continuous structure, eliminating the need for separate components and reducing overall device complexity while maintaining effective fluid guidance.
Solution Approach 2:
The inclined surface serves multiple functions: it guides fluid flow across the observation window, provides structural support, and connects the first and second flat surfaces. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional components, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining cleaning effectiveness.
3Device complexity
If the jetting nozzle is positioned to jet fluid directly onto a flat observation window, then the structure is simple, but the fluid does not spread evenly leading to incomplete washing
Solution Approach 1:
The inclined surface acts as an intermediary between the jetting nozzle and the flat observation window surfaces. It receives the fluid jet and redistributes it evenly across the entire observation window area, ensuring complete washing coverage while maintaining simple nozzle positioning and structure.
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 reliably guides fluid to the observation window for thorough washing, improving cleanability and water removal, while also allowing for effective illumination window cleaning.
Implementation Method 1
a fluid jetted from a jetting port of a fluid jetting nozzle collides with an inclined surface of the inclined portion and flows smoothly toward the surface of the observation window
Implementation Method 2
the fluid can be spread on the entire surface of the observation window
Data Source
AI summary
An endoscope includes a first flat surface formed at a distal end portion of an insertion part to be inserted into a subject, and orthogonal to an axial direction of the insertion part, an observation window provided at the distal end portion for allowing image light of the subject to be taken therethrough, with a surface of the observation window as a light incidence plane, an illumination window provided at the distal end portion to irradiate a subject with illumination light, a fluid jetting nozzle arranged at the first flat surface to jet a fluid toward the observation window and fixed at the distal end portion of the insertion part, and an inclined surface formed around the observation window and arranged at a position that faces the fluid jetting nozzle.