Endoscope Cleaning Nozzle Inclination for Conical Window
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional endoscopes with side observation windows having a truncated conical lens face challenges in effectively cleaning the circumferential side surfaces due to the limited reach of cleaning nozzles, which can lead to incomplete removal of foreign matter, especially on the lower side portions of the cone-shaped surface.
Innovation Solution
The endoscope design incorporates cleaning nozzles with opening parts that are inclined to direct the ejection of liquid toward the distal end of the tapered part of the side observation window, positioned such that the ejection direction is angled to ensure the liquid reaches the center of the lower side portion, improving the cleaning coverage and effectiveness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If cleaning nozzles are positioned orthogonally to the center axis of the truncated conical lens unit, then the cleaning mechanism is simple to manufacture and install, but the cleaning liquid cannot reach the lower side portions of the cone-shaped circumferential side surface, resulting in incomplete cleaning
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning nozzle's opening part is inclined at a specific angle (e.g., 30-60 degrees) relative to the center axis of the truncated conical lens unit, changing the geometric parameter of the nozzle configuration. This angular parameter change enables the cleaning liquid to follow the conical surface and reach the lower side portions that were previously inaccessible, thereby improving cleaning coverage without requiring complex multi-nozzle systems
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning approach transitions from a single orthogonal direction to an inclined directional approach, adding a dimensional aspect to the cleaning liquid's trajectory. By directing the cleaning liquid at an angle along the conical surface rather than perpendicular to the axis, the system achieves coverage of the entire circumferential side surface including the previously unreachable lower portions
2Reliability
If the cleaning nozzle is positioned at the distal end of the insertion section, then the cleaning liquid can reach the observation window, but the ejection direction does not adequately cover the entire circumferential side surface, especially the lower side portion
Solution Approach 1:
The opening part of the cleaning nozzle is configured with a specific inclination angle and positioned at a determined distance from the center axis of the truncated conical lens unit. These parameter changes ensure that the cleaning liquid is ejected in a direction that follows the conical surface geometry, providing uniform distribution across the entire circumferential side surface including the lower side portions, thereby improving both cleaning effectiveness and liquid distribution
3Ease of manufacture
If a conventional cleaning nozzle configuration is used, then the device structure is simple, but foreign matter on the lower side portion of the circumferential side surface cannot be effectively removed
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning nozzle is designed with an inclined opening part at a specific angle (e.g., 30-60 degrees) relative to the center axis, and the opening is positioned offset from the center. This parameter change maintains relative structural simplicity while dramatically improving cleaning completeness by enabling the cleaning liquid to reach and effectively remove foreign matter from the entire circumferential side surface, including the previously problematic lower side portions
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 design enhances the cleanability of the side observation window by ensuring the cleaning liquid reaches and effectively cleans the entire circumferential surface, including the lower side portion, thereby improving the overall cleanliness and image quality.
Implementation Method 1
a cleaning nozzle that includes an opening part through which liquid cleaning the circumferential side surface is ejected
Data Source
AI summary
An endoscope including an elongated insertion section; a side observation window that includes a tapered part on a side circumference intersecting in a longitudinal axis direction of the insertion section, a circumferential side surface formed in a cone shape; and a cleaning nozzle that includes an opening through which liquid cleaning the circumferential side surface of the side observation window is ejected. The opening is inclined to direct an ejection direction of the liquid toward a distal end of the tapered part. A center position of the opening part of the cleaning nozzle is provided on a proximal end side with respect to a center position of the side observation window in the longitudinal axis direction.