Endoscope Processor Shutter Lock Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing electronic endoscope devices face safety issues due to gaps between connector receiving parts and endoscope connectors, which can allow user fingers to touch internal hot components and lead to damage from static electricity discharge when multiple connectors are used simultaneously.

Innovation Solution

A processor for endoscope with a shutter mechanism and lock mechanism in the second connector receiving part that ensures the shutter remains closed when the first connection is established, preventing finger access to the gap between the endoscope connector and the processor's connector receiving part, and a guiding mechanism to securely position the first connector.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the connector receiving part is designed with a recessed space to receive the endoscope connector, then the electrical connection is ensured, but a gap is formed between the connector and the connector receiving part that allows user fingers to touch internal hot components and causes static discharge damage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrical connection reliabilityVSAvoidfinger access to hot components and static discharge

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

A shutter body is introduced as an intermediary component between the connector receiving part and the external environment. The shutter body includes a shutter that can move between an open state (allowing connector insertion) and a closed state (preventing finger access to the gap). This intermediary structure maintains the necessary electrical connection while blocking harmful factors during operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The shutter body is designed with movable characteristics, transitioning between open and closed states based on operational requirements. During connector insertion, the shutter is open; during operation, the shutter closes to prevent finger access. This dynamic behavior allows the system to maintain both electrical connectivity and safety during different operational phases.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of operation

If the shutter is made movable to allow connector insertion, then the ease of operation is improved, but the risk of accidental opening during use increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnector insertion easeVSAvoidshutter position stability during use

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The lock mechanism is engaged in advance to secure the shutter in the closed state before the connector is fully inserted and before operation begins. This preliminary locking action ensures that the shutter remains closed during use, preventing accidental opening while maintaining ease of operation during the insertion phase when the lock is not yet engaged.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The lock mechanism provides mechanical feedback by engaging with the shutter body to confirm and maintain the closed state. This feedback mechanism ensures that the shutter remains securely closed during operation, preventing accidental opening while allowing easy insertion when the lock is not engaged.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Reliability

If the shutter is constrained to closed state during connection, then electrical safety is improved, but the ease of connector insertion is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrical safetyVSAvoidconnector insertion ease

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The shutter body transitions from a static closed state to a dynamic open state during connector insertion, then returns to closed state after insertion. This dynamic behavior allows easy insertion during the open state while maintaining electrical safety during operation when the shutter is closed and locked.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The shutter is opened in advance of connector insertion to facilitate easy insertion, then closed and locked after insertion is complete. This preliminary opening action ensures ease of operation during insertion while maintaining electrical safety during the operational phase.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS11647894B2Processor for endoscope and endoscopic system

Publication Date: 2023.05.16 HOYA CORPORATION

AI summary

One of two connector receiving parts of a processor for endoscope has a shutter mechanism configured to open a shutter by an external force, the shutter having a gap through which a connector-side connection end section passes, and being configured to partition a recessed space of the connector receiving part with respect to an outside. In addition, the processor for endoscope includes a lock mechanism configured to make the shutter into the locked state during a period when another connection end section on the connector side and a processor-side connection end section are connected, and release the locked state of the shutter when the connection between the other connection end section on the connector side and the processor-side connection end section is released.