Endoscope Head Press-Fit Joint for Stable Optic Tube Assembly

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for producing endoscopes are technically complex, time-consuming, and prone to material weakness and instability at the connection site between the endoscope head and optic tube, leading to potential breakage under flexural stresses.

Innovation Solution

A method involving a press-fitting process to connect the endoscope head and optic tube without the need for soldering, welding, or adhesive bonding, using a pressing tool to secure the optic tube in place and ensuring a stable, heat-free connection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If welding, soldering or adhesive bonding is used to connect the endoscope head and optic tube, then the connection is achieved, but the process becomes technically complicated and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection process simplicityVSAvoidproduction equipment complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces thermal connection methods (welding, soldering) and chemical bonding (adhesive) with a purely mechanical press-fit connection. The optic tube is inserted into a recess in the endoscope head and secured by radial pressing forces, eliminating the need for complex production equipment and multiple process steps.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention extracts and eliminates the harmful thermal and chemical connection processes from the manufacturing method. By using only mechanical pressing and insertion, the complex equipment required for welding, soldering, or adhesive application is completely removed from the production system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Ease of manufacture

If welding or soldering is used to connect the endoscope head and optic tube, then the connection is achieved, but heat develops causing the optic tube material to become brittle

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection process efficiencyVSAvoidoptic tube strength at connection site

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent substitutes thermal energy with mechanical energy for the connection process. By using radial pressing forces instead of heat, the optic tube material does not undergo thermal degradation or become brittle, maintaining its full strength and flexibility at the connection site.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention converts the potential harm of thermal processing into a benefit by completely avoiding heat application. The mechanical press-fit method ensures that the optic tube material remains unaffected by thermal cycles, preserving its original mechanical properties and preventing brittleness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

3Ease of manufacture

If adhesive bonding is used to connect the endoscope head and optic tube, then the connection is achieved, but the connection is not stable under considerable leverage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection process simplicityVSAvoidconnection stability under stress

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces chemical bonding with a mechanical interference fit connection. The optic tube is pressed radially into the endoscope head recess, creating friction and geometric interlocking that provides superior stability under leverage and flexural stresses compared to adhesive bonding.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention uses curved, circumferential recesses in the endoscope head that receive the optic tube. The radial pressing forces create a secure fit that distributes stresses evenly around the circumference, enhancing connection stability under leverage compared to linear or point-based connections.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

4Productivity

If adhesive bonding is used to connect the endoscope head and optic tube, then the connection is achieved, but the optic tube and endoscope head must be held in fixed position until adhesive dries

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveproduction speedVSAvoiddrying time

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent eliminates the drying/waiting time inherent in adhesive bonding by using immediate mechanical pressing. The press-fit connection achieves full strength instantly upon application of radial forces, allowing the endoscope to proceed directly to the next production step without time loss.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention performs the connection action (radial pressing) in advance and immediately, rather than requiring a subsequent drying period. The mechanical interlocking is established at the moment of pressing, eliminating the time delay associated with adhesive curing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

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 method simplifies the connection process, enhances stability, and prevents material weakness, allowing the endoscope to withstand flexural stresses and maintain integrity over time, even after repeated cleaning.

Implementation Method 1

press-fitting the distal end area of the endoscope head with the proximal end area of the optic tube

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical Force: Mechanical Force

Data Source

PatentUS11141042B2Method for producing an endoscope and such an endoscope

Publication Date: 2021.10.12 KARL STORZ SE & CO KG

AI summary

A method for producing an endoscope that includes an endoscope head and an optic tube, including the steps of providing the endoscope head, providing the optic tube, and pushing a proximal end area of the optic tube into a distal end area of the endoscope head. The distal end area of the endoscope head is press-fitted with the proximal end area of the optic tube.