Endoscope Pulling Section Restriction and Partition Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing endoscopes with multiple bending sections face challenges in efficiently transmitting operational forces from the operation section to the insertion section, leading to limited control and interference between bending mechanisms and other elongated members within the operation section.
Innovation Solution
The endoscope incorporates a first and second pulling section with a connection portion, a restricting portion, and a sliding surface, along with a partition to restrict the movement range of the connection portion, allowing precise control of bending sections and preventing interference with other elongated members within the operation section.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple bending sections are provided in the insertion section, then the versatility and control capability are improved, but the device complexity and interference between mechanisms increase
Solution Approach 1:
The operation section is divided into multiple independent regions by partitions, with each region housing specific pulling sections for controlling particular bending sections. This segmentation prevents interference between different bending mechanisms while maintaining the ability to control multiple sections independently.
Solution Approach 2:
Partitions and restricting portions act as intermediary structures that separate and guide the pulling sections. These intermediaries prevent direct interference between multiple bending mechanisms while still allowing the transmission of operational forces to the insertion section.
2Ease of operation
If pulling sections are allowed to move freely, then the ease of operation is improved, but the manufacturing precision and control accuracy deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The pulling sections are designed to move dynamically along defined paths within the restricting portions. This dynamic movement allows operational flexibility while the constrained paths ensure precise control and reproducibility of the bending section positions.
Solution Approach 2:
The sliding surfaces and restricting portions define specific movement parameters (range, direction, and position) for the pulling sections. By controlling these parameters, the system achieves both ease of operation and manufacturing precision through standardized movement patterns.
3Ease of manufacture
If the operation section structure is simplified, then the ease of manufacture is improved, but the reliability and control precision deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The partitions and restricting portions serve multiple functions: they separate different pulling sections, define movement ranges, prevent interference between mechanisms, and guide the pulling sections along precise paths. This multi-functionality achieves reliable control precision without significantly complicating the overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The partitions can be implemented as thin structural elements that provide effective separation and guidance while minimizing the addition of bulk and complexity to the operation section. These thin structures maintain reliability without substantially increasing manufacturing difficulty.
Data Source
AI summary
An endoscope includes a first pulling section, an first elongated member, a restricting portion, a sliding surface, and a partition. The restricting portion is provided inside the operation section, and is configured to restrict a position of the first pulling section. The sliding surface is provided in the restricting portion, and allows the first pulling section to move along the axial direction. The partition covers at least a part of the sliding surface and the first pulling section, and is configured to partition the first elongated member and the first pulling section. The partition and the restricting portion are configured to restrict a moving range of the connection portion within a range of the sliding surface.