Embed-Molded Endoscope Joint Connector for Durable Multi-Axis Bending

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional endoscopes with snake-bone structures face issues of structural disconnection, limited bending angle range, insufficient durability, and complexity, which hinder their use in small spaces and affect precision and safety.

Innovation Solution

An embed-molded joint connector with hollow joint units and embedded flexible wires, featuring bending fulcrums and slits, enhances durability and flexibility, allowing for improved bending and twisting capabilities.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If conventional snake-bone structure with multiple joints and connection members is used, then the endoscope can achieve multidirectional bending capability, but the structure becomes complex and prone to damage or wear

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebending capabilityVSAvoidstructure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple separate joints and connection members into a single integrated flexible joint connector. The connector consists of multiple joint units connected by flexible wires, forming a unified structure that eliminates the need for separate hinges and ball joints while maintaining multidirectional bending capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The flexible joint connector is segmented into multiple joint units (first, second, third joint units) that can independently bend relative to each other. Each joint unit contains bending elements that allow controlled movement, enabling the structure to achieve complex bending paths through coordinated movement of segments.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If conventional snake-bone structure with many small joints is used, then the endoscope can achieve multidirectional bending, but the durability is insufficient due to frequent damage and wear

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebending capabilityVSAvoidbending durability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

By combining multiple joints into a single flexible joint connector with integrated bending elements, the patent eliminates the weak points where separate connection members would fail. The unified structure distributes stress more evenly and removes vulnerable interfaces between components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses flexible wires and elastic bending elements (such as elastic ribs or flexible membranes) within the joint units to replace rigid mechanical connections. These flexible elements can withstand repeated bending cycles without wear or damage, significantly improving durability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

3Adaptability or versatility

If conventional snake-bone structure is used, then the endoscope can perform complicated observation, but the minimum size is limited due to numerous critical components

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebending capabilityVSAvoidendoscope size

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent integrates multiple functional components (joints, connection members, and bending mechanisms) into a single flexible joint connector, dramatically reducing the overall volume required for the bending mechanism while maintaining full multidirectional capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The flexible joint connector is designed with nested structures where bending elements are contained within joint units, and multiple joint units are arranged coaxially. This nested arrangement minimizes the radial and axial dimensions of the bending mechanism.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

4Adaptability or versatility

If conventional snake-bone structure is used, then the endoscope can achieve bending function, but the rigidity is insufficient for stable support during operations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebending capabilityVSAvoidstructural rigidity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a dynamic structure where the flexible joint connector can transition between flexible and rigid states. During bending operations, the connector provides flexibility; during stable positioning, the structure maintains sufficient rigidity through its geometric configuration and material properties.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The joint units are constructed using composite materials that combine flexibility and rigidity. The structure uses materials with appropriate elastic moduli to provide flexibility where needed for bending while maintaining rigidity for stable support during operational phases.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Data Source

PatentUS20260063889A1Endoscope, embed-molded joint connector and manufacturing method thereof

Publication Date: 2026.03.05 MEDIMAGING INTEGRATED SOLUTION INC

AI summary

The present invention provides an endoscope, an embed-molded joint connector and a manufacturing method thereof. The embed-molded joint connector includes a plurality of joint units and a flexible wire. The joint units are hollow and arranged coaxially. A distance exists between two adjacent joint units to form a gap. The flexible wire is embedded inside the joint units and passes through them. A plurality of portions of the flexible wire is exposed in the gaps, forming bending fulcrums between the joint units. As a result, the present invention effectively simplifies the assembly process, reduces the manufacturing cost, and features radial torsional durability and axial bending functionality.