Endoscope Instrument Lifting Braking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing endoscope instrument lifting operation devices face issues with large spatial requirements and increased dynamic frictional resistance, which compromise the arrangement of other mechanisms and deteriorate operability due to a sandwich-like configuration of frictional plates and springs.
Innovation Solution
An instrument lifting operation device with a braking mechanism that includes a rotatable spring contacting an arc-shaped fixed wall, reducing dynamic frictional resistance by using a spring with a contacting projection that slides on the inner circumferential surface, allowing for efficient arrangement without interfering with other mechanisms and enabling smooth operation with a small force.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a friction plate and sliding plate are stacked in a sandwich-like structure to provide braking function, then static frictional resistance is sufficient to maintain stationary state, but dynamic frictional resistance becomes large and operability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the geometric parameters of the friction surfaces by using an arc-shaped fixed wall instead of a flat plate, and configuring the spring to contact at a specific point on its inner circumferential surface. This parameter change reduces the dynamic frictional resistance while maintaining sufficient static frictional resistance for the braking function.
2Reliability
If friction plate, sliding plate and spring are stacked in sandwich-like structure, then braking function is achieved, but space requirement increases in both radial direction and thickness direction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the braking mechanism components into a more integrated structure where the arc-shaped fixed wall serves as both a structural support and a friction surface, and the spring both provides braking force and contacts the fixed wall directly. This merging eliminates the need for separate friction plates and reduces overall space requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a planar sandwich-like structure to a three-dimensional arc-shaped configuration. The fixed wall is formed as an arc having a center corresponding to the rotation axis, and the spring contacts the inner circumferential surface at a specific point, utilizing spatial arrangement to reduce both radial and thickness direction space requirements.
3Ease of operation
If arc-shaped fixed wall and spring configuration is used, then dynamic frictional resistance is reduced and operability is improved, but arrangement complexity may increase
Solution Approach 1:
The arc-shaped fixed wall serves multiple functions: it provides the friction surface for the spring, acts as a structural support for the operation unit, and defines the geometric constraints for the braking mechanism. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional components and simplifies the overall arrangement.
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
The solution effectively reduces dynamic frictional resistance relative to static frictional resistance, allowing for smooth operation of the treatment instrument with reduced operational force and compact arrangement within the endoscope's operation unit.
Implementation Method 1
the spring is arranged to be able to rotate about the axis together with the instrument lifting operation member in a state where the spring is elastically pressed against an inner circumferential surface of the fixed wall... the spring contacts and slides on the inner circumferential surface of the fixed wall to generate frictional resistance
Data Source
AI summary
An instrument lifting operation device including: an operation wire drawing mechanism configured to draw an proximal end of an operation wire connected to an instrument lifting piece; and a braking mechanism configured to restrict movement of the operation wire toward the tip side, wherein the braking mechanism includes: a fixed wall; and a spring arranged to be able to rotate about an axis together with an instrument lifting operation member in a state where the spring is elastically pressed against an inner circumferential surface of the fixed wall. When the instrument lifting operation member is operated to rotate about the axis, the wire coupling member rotates about the axis and the operation wire moves forward and backward in a state where the spring contacts and slides on the inner circumferential surface of the fixed wall to generate frictional resistance at a contacting part.