Endoscope Pivot Restriction Switching Device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing endoscopes face challenges in allowing operators to easily switch between pivotable and pivot-restricted states of the insertion portion relative to the operation portion without releasing their hand, leading to potential confusion and operational inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
An endoscope design featuring a pivot restriction switching device with a braking member and a sliding member that can be operated by the operator's finger to switch between pivotable and pivot-restricted states, allowing for seamless transitions without hand release.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a pivot restriction mechanism is added to prevent confusion between operations, then operational reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pivot restriction switching device merges the pivot restriction mechanism and pivot release mechanism into a single integrated device. The sliding member simultaneously controls both the braking member (for restriction) and the release of braking force (for release), eliminating the need for separate mechanisms and reducing overall device complexity while maintaining operational reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The sliding member serves multiple functions: it acts as a control element for both restricting and releasing pivot motion, and it mechanically transmits the operator's finger pressure to both the braking member and the release mechanism. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed
2Reliability
If a dial section with separate pivot mechanism and restriction mechanism is used, then pivot control reliability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to hand release requirement
Solution Approach 1:
The pivot restriction switching device combines the restriction and release operations into a single continuous action. The operator performs one continuous sliding motion to both restrict and later release pivot motion, eliminating the need to release the hand from the insertion portion and improving ease of operation while maintaining reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The sliding member is preliminarily positioned to engage the braking member for restriction. When the operator needs to release restriction, the same sliding member is simply moved to disengage the braking member, preparing the system for quick transition without requiring hand release or complex additional operations
3Ease of operation
If the sliding member is disposed at a position deviated from the pivot axis, then ease of operation is improved for finger access, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sliding member is positioned in a radial direction away from the pivot axis, utilizing a different spatial dimension for operation. This allows the operator's finger to access the switching device from the side rather than requiring axial movement, improving ease of operation while the deviation distance can be optimized to balance accessibility with structural simplicity
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 operators to effortlessly switch between pivotable and pivot-restricted states, enhancing operational efficiency and reducing confusion during endoscope maneuvers.
Implementation Method 1
a braking member on an end portion on pivot portion side of the sliding member, and switches over a state of the pivot portion from a pivotable state to a pivot restricted state or from the pivot restricted state to the pivotable state, the braking member being pressed against and disposed on the pivot portion to apply braking force
Data Source
AI summary
An endoscope includes: an operation portion; an insertion portion pivotable relative to the operation portion; a pivot state switching instruction portion; a sliding member slidable in a longitudinal axis direction of the operation portion along with a switching operation of the pivot state switching instruction portion; a holding ring configured to hold the sliding member; and a pivot restriction switching device provided with a braking member on an end portion on pivot portion side of the sliding member, and configured to switch over a state of a pivot portion from a pivotable state to a pivot restricted state or from the pivot restricted state to the pivotable state, the braking member being pressed against and disposed on the pivot portion to apply braking force.