External Endoscope Knob Drive for Smooth Bending Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing endoscope designs face difficulties in smoothly switching between operations of the main and sub-bending portions due to the placement of the sub-bending operation device on the proximal end side, which can cause finger strain and discomfort during use.
Innovation Solution
An external mechanism for endoscopes that includes a housing case with a drive source to rotate the sub-bending operation knob, a locking mechanism for secure attachment, and a design that reduces the external size and weight, allowing for easier operation of both bending portions without excessive finger strain.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the sub-bending operation device is provided on the proximal end side of the operation portion, spaced from the main bending operation device, then the sub-bending portion can be operated independently, but it becomes difficult for the user to smoothly switch between operations of the main and sub-bending operation devices with fingers of a hand grasping the operation portion
Solution Approach 1:
The external mechanism integrates the sub-bending operation device with the main bending operation device by positioning it on the distal end side of the operation portion, adjacent to the main bending operation device. This merging allows both bending operations to be performed from the same location, enabling smooth switching between operations with a single hand while maintaining independent control capability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the sub-bending operation device is spaced from the main bending operation device on the proximal end side, then the sub-bending portion can be controlled separately, but a large burden is placed on the fingers of the user's hand
Solution Approach 1:
The external mechanism combines the sub-bending operation device with the main bending operation device at the same location (distal end side of the operation portion), allowing both operations to be performed close together. This reduces the span required for finger operation and decreases the burden on the user's fingers while maintaining separate control capability through distinct operation knobs.
3Extent of automation
If an external mechanism with housing case and drive source is added to the endoscope, then automated bending control is achieved, but the external size and weight of the device increases
Solution Approach 1:
The drive source is extracted from the main endoscope body and placed in a separate external mechanism that can be detachably attached. This allows the automated bending control functionality to be added only when needed, reducing the base weight of the endoscope while maintaining the option for automation through the attachable external mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The external mechanism is designed to be detachably attachable to the endoscope, providing automated bending control when attached and allowing the endoscope to function without the additional weight when detached. The universal design enables the same external mechanism to work with different endoscope models, maximizing functionality while minimizing permanent weight addition.
4Reliability
If the locking member locks on both the knob arranging surface and the adjacent surface, then secure attachment is achieved, but the complexity of the attachment mechanism increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking function is segmented into two independent locking members, each responsible for locking to a different surface (knob arranging surface and adjacent surface). This segmentation provides secure attachment through multiple locking points while keeping each individual locking mechanism simple and manageable, avoiding the need for a single complex multi-surface locking system.
Data Source
AI summary
An external mechanism for endoscope includes: an abutment surface that is a first surface configured to cover a knob arranging surface at which a second bending operation knob is arranged in an operation portion of an endoscope; a wheel configured to engage with the second bending operation knob arranged at the knob arranging surface; a motor configured to generate a driving force for rotating the wheel; a housing case that houses the wheel and the motor; a case attaching/detaching and fixing section for detachably attaching the housing case to the operation portion of the endoscope; and a locking member provided at the housing case and configured to be locked on the knob arranging surface of the endoscope and a large-diameter portion end face adjacent to the knob arranging surface in the operation portion of the endoscope.