Endoscope Insertion Device Flexible Membrane Torque Transmission
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing endoscope insertion devices face challenges in simplifying the drive torque transmission structure while maintaining appropriate drive torque for mount tools, often requiring complex and costly amplification mechanisms that increase labor and expenditure.
Innovation Solution
The insertion device incorporates a hollow cylindrical member with a flexible membrane and rotatable movable members that reduce rotational speed, allowing for efficient torque amplification and simplified structure by transmitting drive power through a hollow cylindrical member and rotatable rollers, which are pressed against the cylindrical member by the membrane.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If the extent to which the drive torque is amplified is increased in the structure that transmits the drive force from the drive source to the internal gear, then the drive torque applied to the internal gear is increased, but the structure that transmits the drive force becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a flexible membrane as the transmission member that transmits drive torque from the internal gear to the mount tool. The membrane's flexibility allows it to conform to the curvature of the insertion portion while transmitting rotational force, eliminating the need for complex rigid mechanical transmission structures. This resolves the contradiction by providing sufficient torque transmission through a simple, flexible component rather than a complex mechanical linkage system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical torque amplification mechanisms (such as gear trains or lever systems) with a direct membrane transmission system. The membrane directly transmits the rotational force from the internal gear to the mount tool without intermediate mechanical amplification stages, simplifying the overall structure while maintaining effective torque delivery.
2Ease of manufacture
If the structure that transmits the drive force is simplified, then the manufacturing cost and labor are reduced, but the drive torque applied to the mount tool may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible membrane serves as both a simple-to-manufacture component and an effective torque transmission medium. Its simplicity reduces manufacturing complexity and cost, while its elastic properties enable it to efficiently transmit rotational force from the internal gear to the mount tool, maintaining sufficient drive torque without complex mechanical amplification systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the elastic parameters of the membrane material to optimize torque transmission. By selecting appropriate material properties and membrane geometry, the system achieves effective torque delivery through a simplified structure, balancing manufacturing ease with functional performance.
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
This solution enables the application of appropriate rotational torque to the mount tool without increasing the complexity of the drive torque amplification structure, reducing manufacturing costs and labor, while maintaining effective mobility within lumens.
Implementation Method 1
a membrane that forms a part of an outer circumferential surface of the insertion portion in covering relation to the movable member from an outer circumferential side. The membrane is flexible and urges the movable member toward the longitudinal axis
Implementation Method 2
When the drive power is transmitted to the movable member from the hollow cylindrical member, the hollow cylindrical member is rotated around the longitudinal axis... The movable member is rotatable about its own axis parallel to the longitudinal axis and movable around the longitudinal axis
Data Source
AI summary
An insertion device includes an insertion portion in which a movable member is held in contact with an outer circumferential surface of a hollow cylindrical member. When drive power is transmitted from the hollow cylindrical member to the movable member as the hollow cylindrical member is rotated about a longitudinal axis of the insertion portion, the movable member is rotated around its own axis parallel to the longitudinal axis and moved around the longitudinal axis. The insertion portion includes a membrane covering the movable member from an outer circumferential side thereof. The membrane urges the movable member toward the longitudinal axis, thereby pressing the movable member against the outer circumferential surface of the hollow cylindrical member.