Endoscope Operation Portion Friction Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Increasing the outer diameter of a rotating member, such as a pulley, in insertion devices like endoscopes to improve operability leads to increased friction and a larger operation portion size, making it difficult for users to grasp and operate effectively.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating guides that restrict the movement of bending operation wires to pass on the shaft member side of the tangential line of the pulley, reducing friction and maintaining a smaller operation portion size even with a larger pulley diameter.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the outer diameter of the rotating member (pulley) is increased to improve operability, then the operability is improved, but the operation portion size increases and friction increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent repositions the wire passage from the outer peripheral side to the inner side of the rotating member, utilizing the internal space dimension. This allows the wire to pass through the inner channel of the sheath member and contact the rotating member from the inner side, effectively using the third dimension (radial depth) to resolve the space conflict.
Solution Approach 2:
The wire is nested within the inner channel of the sheath member, which itself is nested within the operation portion. The rotating member is positioned such that the wire contacts it from the inner side, creating a nested arrangement that minimizes the overall operation portion size while maintaining functional effectiveness.
2Ease of operation
If the outer diameter of the rotating member (pulley) is increased to improve operability, then the operability is improved, but the friction between wires and sheaths increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sheath member acts as an intermediary between the wire and the rotating member. The wire passes through the inner channel of the sheath member, and the sheath member guides the wire to contact the rotating member. This intermediary structure reduces direct friction and wear between the wire and the rotating member by distributing the contact and providing a smooth guiding surface.
3Ease of operation
If a larger diameter pulley is used to reduce the operation angle range, then the operability is improved, but the operation portion size increases making it difficult to grasp
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the radial dimension by allowing the wire to contact the rotating member from the inner side rather than from the outer peripheral side. This enables the use of a larger diameter rotating member for improved operability while containing it within a compact operation portion that remains easy to grasp.
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 configuration enhances operability and grasping performance by reducing friction between wires and sheaths, allowing easier manipulation of the endoscope despite a larger pulley diameter.
Implementation Method 1
Incorporating guides that restrict the movement of bending operation wires to pass on the shaft member side of the tangential line of the pulley, reducing friction and maintaining a smaller operation portion size even with a larger pulley diameter.
Data Source
AI summary
Insertion device according to an aspect of the present disclosure includes: an insertion device, comprising an insertion portion configured to be inserted into a subject. At least one traction member configured to pull a distal end side portion of the insertion portion. An operation portion provided on a proximal end side of the insertion portion. At least one sheath member inserted through the insertion portion, wherein the at least one traction member is inserted through an inner channel in the at least one sheath member. A rotating member to which one end of the at least one traction member is connected, the rotating member configured to rotate, with an external operation force, around a first axis of a first shaft member provided in the operation portion. At least one guide member disposed in the operation portion, wherein at least a portion of the at least one guide member is located on a first shaft member side with respect to a tangential line of an outer circumference of the rotating member, the tangential line passing through a point on an end of the at least one sheath member that is located within the operation portion. Wherein the at least one guide member is configured to guide the at least one traction member such that at least a portion of a path of the at least one traction member passes on the first shaft member side of the tangential line.