Endoscope Bending Input Unit Magnetic Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing endoscopes with bending mechanisms require electrical contacts that can be prone to failure due to smeared connections, making it difficult to use different bending operation input units and complicating the washing process.
Innovation Solution
An endoscope design featuring removably attached bending operation input units with magnetic and pressure-sensitive components that detect activated states and control methods without electrical contact, allowing for various input types and easy cleaning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If electrical contacts are used to connect the bending operation input unit to the operation section body, then electrical connection is achieved, but the connection is prone to failure due to smearing and complicates the washing process
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes electrical contacts from the bending operation input unit, extracting the problematic electrical connection component. Instead, it uses a non-electrical signal transmission method where the input unit can be freely detached and attached without electrical connectors, enabling easy washing while maintaining operational reliability through alternative signaling mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the electrical contact-based signaling system with a mechanical or magnetic field-based detection system. The operation section body detects the type and state of the attached input unit through non-electrical means (such as mechanical engagement detection or magnetic field sensing), eliminating the need for electrical contacts that smear and fail during washing
2Loss of information
If electrical contacts are used in the bending operation input unit, then signal transmission is achieved, but the unit becomes difficult to clean and maintain
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts electrical contacts from the removable bending operation input unit, eliminating the cleaning difficulty associated with electrical connectors. The input unit becomes a simple, washable component that can be thoroughly cleaned without risking damage to electrical connections, while signal transmission is maintained through non-contact detection methods in the operation section body
Solution Approach 2:
The bending operation input unit is designed as a disposable or frequently replaceable component without expensive electrical contacts. It can be easily cleaned or replaced if needed, while the operation section body contains the detection mechanisms that identify the attached unit's type and state without requiring electrical connections
3Adaptability or versatility
If removable bending operation input units are used, then user preference and adaptability are improved, but electrical connection reliability deteriorates due to connection/disconnection cycles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes electrical contacts from the removable input unit, eliminating the reliability issues caused by repeated connection and disconnection cycles. Multiple types of input units can be attached and detached freely without degrading electrical connections, as no such contacts exist in the removable unit
Solution Approach 2:
The operation section body is designed with universal detection capabilities that can identify different types of removable input units through non-electrical means. This allows various input units with different functions and configurations to be interchangeably attached and detected reliably, maintaining adaptability without compromising connection stability
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 proper bending operations with various input units without electrical contact failures and facilitates easy cleaning by eliminating the need for electrical connections, ensuring reliable and user-preferred operation.
Implementation Method 1
a magnetic and pressure-sensitive components that detect activated states
Implementation Method 2
a magnetic and pressure-sensitive components that detect activated states
Data Source
AI summary
An endoscope includes a control method input section provided in a bending operation input unit and configured to input a control method of a bending operation, and a control method detector provided in an operation section body and configured to detect the input control method of the bending operation. The endoscope includes an activated portion provided in the bending operation input unit and configured to change its activated state in response to the bending operation in a bending operation input section, an activated state detector provided in the operation section body and configured to detect the activated state of the activated portion, and a drive member provided in the operation section body and configured to be driven in accordance with the detected control method and the detected activated state, thereby bending a bending section.