Endoscope Insertion Apparatus With Segmented Arms
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional endoscope insertion methods face difficulties in navigating deep regions of the intestinal tract due to friction and bending complexities, leading to ineffective insertion and movement within the digestive tract.
Innovation Solution
An endoscope insertion apparatus with inner-side and outer-side insertion assisting sections featuring arm members that can change diameter states and move alternately to facilitate deeper insertion by pressing against the intestinal wall, allowing for controlled advancement and retraction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If conventional endoscope insertion methods are used, then the endoscope can be inserted into the intestinal tract, but it is difficult to reach deep regions due to friction and bending complexities
Solution Approach 1:
The insertion assisting section is divided into multiple arm members (first, second, third, and fourth arm members) that can be independently extended and retracted. These segmented arms press against the intestinal wall at different positions and timings, allowing the endoscope to advance in stages while minimizing friction at any single point.
Solution Approach 2:
The arm members are designed to be dynamically extendable and retractable, allowing them to adapt their position and pressing force against the intestinal wall. This dynamic adjustment enables the system to overcome friction variations along the intestinal tract and facilitate deeper insertion.
2Length of moving object
If the endoscope is pushed further into deep regions, then insertion depth increases, but force transmission becomes ineffective due to complicated bends
Solution Approach 1:
The arm members perform preliminary actions by pressing against the intestinal wall before the endoscope advances. This creates a stable base that allows force to be effectively transmitted to the endoscope, overcoming the effect of complicated bends in the intestinal tract.
Solution Approach 2:
The arm members act as intermediaries between the operator's pushing force and the endoscope. By pressing against the intestinal wall, they create anchor points that facilitate effective force transmission through the bending intestinal tract to move the endoscope deeper.
3Ease of operation
If multiple arm members are used to press the intestinal wall, then insertion control improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple arm members are merged into a single integrated insertion assisting section that is mounted on the endoscope. This unified structure allows coordinated operation of multiple arms while maintaining a compact design that does not excessively increase overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The arm members are designed with nested structures that allow them to be retracted into the insertion assisting section when not in use. This nesting capability maintains a compact profile and reduces structural complexity while still providing multiple pressing points when needed.
Data Source
AI summary
An endoscope insertion apparatus is provided that has an inner-side unit in which a plurality of inner-side fixing sections having an inner-side arm are uniformly arranged in a circumferential direction, an outer-side unit in which a plurality of outer-side fixing sections having an outer-side arm are uniformly arranged in a circumferential direction and in which slit portions that extend in a direction perpendicular to the circumferential direction and from which the inner-side arms protrude are uniformly arranged in the circumferential direction between the outer-side fixing sections, and an insertion operation portion that changes a front/rear relationship between the inner-side arms and outer-side arms.