Endoscope Knob Locking Mechanism for One-Hand Bending Fixation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional endoscopes face challenges in reliably fixing the turning position of bending operation knobs with one hand, leading to unintentional release of the bending state.
Innovation Solution
The endoscope incorporates a turn locking mechanism with a lock button that translates to a second position, engaging a lock bar with a fixed member to prevent the knob from rotating, allowing secure fixation of the bending position with one hand.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a friction-based locking mechanism is used, then the locking structure is simple, but the reliability of fixing the knob position is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the conventional friction-based mechanical locking system with a magnetic field-based locking system. The magnetic attraction force between the magnet attached to the knob and the ferromagnetic material in the operation portion body provides reliable fixation without requiring complex friction plates or multiple contact surfaces, thereby improving reliability while maintaining structural simplicity.
2Device complexity
If friction-based locking is used, then the structure is simple, but continuous manual holding is required to maintain the locked state
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic locking mechanism eliminates the need for continuous manual pressure to maintain the locked state. The magnetic field continuously exerts holding force on the ferromagnetic material, allowing the knob to remain fixed without the user continuously pressing or holding the locking mechanism, thus enabling true one-hand operation.
3Reliability
If a complex locking mechanism is used to improve reliability, then the locking is more secure, but the ease of operation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic locking system provides secure locking through magnetic attraction while requiring minimal user input - simply positioning the knob at the desired angle brings the magnet into proximity with the ferromagnetic material, automatically engaging the lock. This eliminates complex mechanical operations while maintaining high reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic locking mechanism automatically engages when the knob is positioned at the desired angle, without requiring the user to manually activate a separate locking action. The system self-locks through the magnetic field, improving ease of operation while maintaining secure fixation.
Data Source
AI summary
An endoscope comprises an insertion portion, an operation portion body provided at a proximal end side of the insertion portion, a knob provided in the operation portion body, the knob configured to rotate around a rotation shaft, and a turn locking mechanism provided in the knob. The turn locking mechanism includes a lock button reversibly translatable from a first position to a second position, a lock bar connected to the lock button, the lock bar extending from an inside surface of the lock button, and a fixed member attached to the operation portion body. When the lock button is in the second position, the lock bar engages the fixed member to prevent the knob from rotating around the rotation shaft.