Endoscope Raising Base Biasing for Lower Operating Force
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional endoscopes require simultaneous operation of multiple members for bending and treatment instrument raising, leading to increased operational force and complexity, which can burden the operator.
Innovation Solution
An endoscope design incorporating a biasing element to apply a constant raising force to the treatment-instrument raising base, with a switching mechanism to control the biasing force, allowing for simplified operation by reducing the need for manual force application during raising operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a conventional raising-base operation mechanism is used requiring manual operation of multiple members, then the treatment instrument can be directed toward the lesion part, but the operational force increases and operator burden increases
Solution Approach 1:
The biasing element (spring) automatically applies raising force to the raising base without requiring continuous manual operation. The system serves itself by maintaining the raised state through elastic force, reducing operator burden and operational force requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The biasing element pre-stores elastic energy and automatically applies raising force before manual operation is needed. When the operation member is actuated, the pre-loaded spring immediately provides assisting force, reducing the effort required by the operator.
2Ease of operation
If a biasing element is added to automatically raise the treatment-instrument raising base, then the operational force is reduced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The biasing element is integrated into the existing raising-base operation mechanism, combining the spring force with the manual operation member. This merging approach adds automatic raising functionality while utilizing the existing structural framework, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The operation member serves as an intermediary between manual input and the raising base movement. It transmits both manual force and spring force to control the raising base, allowing the biasing element to be incorporated without directly complicating the main mechanism.
3Ease of operation
If the biasing force is always applied to the wire, then the raising operation is simplified, but the wire moves uncontrollably without switching mechanism
Solution Approach 1:
The switching mechanism dynamically changes the state of the biasing element between engaged and disengaged positions. This dynamic control allows the system to switch between automatic raising mode (spring force applied) and controlled positioning mode (spring force restrained), providing both ease of operation and position stability as needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The switching mechanism provides feedback control by allowing the operator to engage or disengage the biasing force based on the desired state. When positioning is needed, the operator actuates the switching mechanism to restrain the spring force; when raising is needed, the mechanism is actuated to allow spring force application.
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
The design reduces the operational force required for raising the treatment-instrument raising base, enhancing operability and reducing operator burden by maintaining the raised state without continuous manual effort.
Implementation Method 1
a biasing element attached to the wire and configured to apply to the wire a biasing force in the raising direction
Data Source
AI summary
An endoscope comprising: an insertion portion; a raising base provided at a distal end of the insertion portion; a wire configured to move in a raising direction to raise the raising base; a biasing element attached to the wire and configured to apply to the wire a biasing force in the raising direction; and an operation portion coupled to a proximal end of the insertion portion, the operation portion including a switching mechanism having a first state and a second state. The switching mechanism is configured to switch between the first state and the second state. In the first state, the switching mechanism prevents the biasing force from moving the wire in the raising direction and, in the second state, the switching mechanism allows the biasing force to move the wire in the raising direction.