Endoscope Protective Projections Prevent Window Damage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Endoscopes face damage to the observation window due to contact with external members during handling and cleaning, as existing designs may not adequately prevent contact or distribute impact effectively.
Innovation Solution
The endoscope design incorporates protective projections on the distal end surface that surround the observation window and nozzle, positioning them forward of the window to prevent contact and absorb impact, ensuring the nozzle is protected as well.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the observation window is made convex to improve observation capability, then the observation capability is improved, but the probability of contact with contacted members increases and damage risk worsens
Solution Approach 1:
A protective ring is introduced as an intermediary component between the convex observation window and external contacted members. The protective ring makes contact with external objects first, preventing direct contact with the observation window while allowing the convex shape to maintain its optical function.
2Reliability
If protective structures are added to prevent contact, then the protection capability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The protective ring is designed as a thin-walled cylindrical structure that provides effective protection against contact damage while minimizing added complexity. The thin-walled design reduces the increase in device complexity while maintaining adequate protective strength.
3Reliability
If the protective ring is made to contact external objects first, then the observation window is protected, but the fluid jetting function may be interfered with
Solution Approach 1:
The protective ring is positioned asymmetrically relative to the fluid jetting nozzle, with the nozzle located in a specific region of the protective ring structure. This asymmetric arrangement ensures that the protective ring contacts external objects first while the nozzle maintains its fluid jetting capability without interference.
4Reliability
If multiple contact distal end parts are formed to prevent contact, then the protection capability is improved, but the air/water supply nozzle may be damaged by contact
Solution Approach 1:
The protective ring combines multiple protective functions into a single integrated structure that surrounds both the observation window and the fluid jetting nozzle. This merged design protects both components simultaneously while avoiding the need for separate protective structures that could damage the nozzle.
Data Source
AI summary
An endoscope includes a distal end surface provided at a distal end of an insertion part; an observation window provided on the distal end surface; a fluid jetting nozzle; and a first protective projection, a second protective projection, and a third protective projection disposed at an outer peripheral part of the distal end surface and provided to project forward of the observation window. In all combinations of imaginary planes capable of coming into contact with the first protective projection, the second protective projection, and the third protective projection from a front side, the imaginary planes are disposed forward of the observation window, the imaginary planes are disposed at the same height as or forward of the fluid jetting nozzle, and the observation window and a portion of the fluid jetting nozzle are included within an outer ring region surrounded by the first protective projection, the second protective projection, and the third protective projection.