Endoscope Insertion Device Speed Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing endoscope apparatuses require complex operations to change speed during observation, making it difficult to move the inserting section easily in lumens like the small or large intestine, especially when transitioning from a distal to a proximal direction.
Innovation Solution
An insertion apparatus with a rotary unit featuring a spiral fin portion and a drive member, allowing for controlled rotation in both directions around the longitudinal axis, with a control mode switching mechanism to adjust rotation amounts and currents based on operation commands, simplifying the operation by eliminating the need for a separate speed change operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If the rotary unit is rotated at high speed in the first periaxial direction during insertion, then the first moving amount of the inserting section toward the distal direction is large, but the operation becomes complex when needing to change speed during observation
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the rotating speed of the rotary unit based on the operation mode. During insertion, high speed is used to achieve large moving amounts quickly. During observation, the system automatically reduces speed to enable easy manipulation and precise control, eliminating the need for manual speed change operations
Solution Approach 2:
The control apparatus changes the operating parameters (rotating speed) of the rotary unit according to the detected operation mode. The system transitions from high-speed insertion mode to low-speed observation mode, optimizing performance for each phase while simplifying user operation
2Ease of operation
If the rotary unit is rotated at low speed during observation, then the second moving amount of the inserting section toward the proximal direction is small, but the observation cannot be performed effectively without easy movement control
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides dynamic speed control that adapts to the operational phase. During observation, the rotary unit operates at reduced speed, enabling the operator to easily control the inserting section's movement for effective observation while maintaining adequate productivity through automated control
3Adaptability or versatility
If a separate speed change operation button is provided, then the rotating speed can be changed, but the device complexity increases and the operation becomes more complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The control apparatus integrates the speed control function into the existing operation input sections. Instead of adding separate speed change buttons, the system uses the same rotating operation inputs to control both direction and speed, merging multiple functions into a single control interface and reducing device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The operation input sections serve multiple functions: they control both the direction (first and second periaxial directions) and the speed of the rotary unit. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate speed control components while maintaining adaptability across different operational phases
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
Enables easy and efficient movement of the inserting section in both distal and proximal directions within the lumen, facilitating effective observation without the complexity of additional speed change operations.
Implementation Method 1
The spiral fin portion is placed toward a first periaxial direction side which is one of directions around the longitudinal axis as the spiral fin portion extends from a proximal direction toward a distal direction. In a lumen, when the rotary unit is rotated in the first periaxial direction in a state that the spiral fin portion is in contact with a luminal paries, a first propulsive force toward the distal direction acts on the inserting section and the rotary unit.
Implementation Method 2
when the rotary unit is rotated toward a second periaxial direction opposite to the first periaxial direction in the state that the spiral fin portion is in contact with the luminal paries, a second propulsive force toward the proximal direction acts on the inserting section and the rotary unit.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
An insertion apparatus includes a control mode switching section switching to a first control mode based on generation of a first operation command and switching to a second control mode based on generation of a second operation command. The insertion apparatus includes a first drive control section controlling a drive state of a drive member in such a manner that a rotary unit rotates toward a first periaxial direction with a first rotation amount during a reference time having a predetermined length in the first control mode, and a second drive control section controlling the drive state of the drive member in such a manner that the rotary unit rotates toward the second periaxial direction with a second rotation amount smaller than the first rotation amount during the reference time in the second control mode.