Endoscope Insertion Cord Graduated Flexibility Method
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing endoscope insertion cords lack cost-efficient methods for achieving graduated bendability along their length, which is crucial for navigating complex body cavities during medical procedures, particularly for disposable endoscopes that require varying stiffness from the handle to the distal end.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a conditioning process that heats and mechanically deforms the main tube, comprising a metal core and polymer material, to create a meander bend, thereby increasing bendability towards the distal end, allowing for reduced force requirements and balanced flexibility in multiple directions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the main tube is made with a composite structure comprising multiple layers including wound coil and braid, then the structural integrity and fluid tightness are improved, but the bendability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies thermal energy to raise the polymer material above its glass transition temperature, fundamentally changing its mechanical properties from rigid to flexible. This temporary parameter change allows the stiff composite main tube to be bent into desired configurations without compromising structural integrity, and the effect persists after cooling
2Ease of operation
If the main tube is made uniformly rigid along its entire length, then the handle control is improved, but the ability to follow the bending section direction is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the thermal bending treatment selectively to specific portions of the main tube, creating local zones of altered flexibility. The treated portions become more compliant to follow the bending section, while untreated portions maintain their rigidity for stable handle control, achieving spatially varying mechanical properties
3Reliability
If the polymer layer thickness is increased to improve fluid tightness, then the sealing is improved, but the bendability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses thermal energy to temporarily soften the thick polymer material, allowing it to be bent despite its increased thickness. The glass transition temperature change transforms the material's mechanical behavior, enabling configurations that would be impossible with the material in its normal state, while maintaining the necessary fluid tightness
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 method effectively imparts graduated bendability to the endoscope insertion cord, enhancing its ability to navigate complex paths with reduced force requirements and maintaining this property throughout its single-use duration, while being cost-efficient and applicable to disposable endoscopes.
Implementation Method 1
heating a portion of a main tube comprising a metal core and a polymer material surrounding the metal core, said heating placing the polymer material in a softened state
Implementation Method 2
bending the portion of the main tube while the polymer material is in the softened state
Data Source
AI summary
A method for providing an insertion cord of an endoscope with graduated flexibility along a length of the insertion cord, the method including providing a main tube having a longitudinal axis, the main tube comprising a coiled core and a polymer layer; raising a temperature of the polymer layer in a portion of the main tube from a first temperature to above a second temperature that is less than a melting point of the polymer layer; bending the portion of the main tube to impose a first meander bend while the temperature is above the second temperature, wherein said bending comprises bending the portion of the main tube at at least two angles relative to a line parallel to the longitudinal axis.