Endoscope Rotational Force Adjustment Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing endoscopes with two-way bending mechanisms face challenges in efficiently adjusting the rotational force required for precise operation, leading to suboptimal operability and potential issues with watertightness during rotation.
Innovation Solution
An endoscope design featuring a rotatable insertion portion with an operation force amount adjusting mechanism, utilizing a cam ring and elastic member to generate adjustable frictional resistance, allowing for fine-tuned rotational force adjustment and maintaining watertightness through strategically placed O-rings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the insertion portion is made rotatable with respect to the operation portion to improve operability, then the ease of operation is improved, but the watertightness may be compromised due to rotational movement
Solution Approach 1:
An O-ring is introduced as an intermediary sealing element between the insertion portion and operation portion. The O-ring maintains watertightness during rotation by deforming elastically to accommodate the rotational movement while preventing fluid leakage, thus resolving the contradiction between rotational operability and watertightness.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection mechanism is designed to be dynamic rather than rigid, allowing the insertion portion to rotate relative to the operation portion. The elastic O-ring adapts its shape during rotation to maintain sealing, enabling both rotational movement and watertightness to coexist.
2Reliability
If a fixed frictional force mechanism is used to prevent rotation, then the reliability of position control is improved, but the ease of operation for precise adjustment deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The frictional force mechanism is made adjustable rather than fixed. The operator can modify the pressing force applied to the O-ring, thereby dynamically changing the frictional resistance. This allows for easy rotational adjustment when needed while maintaining reliable position control when the friction is increased.
Solution Approach 2:
The frictional force parameter is made variable through an adjustment mechanism that changes the pressing force on the O-ring. By altering this parameter, the system transitions between states of easy rotation and secure position holding, resolving the contradiction between position control reliability and adjustment ease.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the pressing force between the elastic member and frictional surface is increased to prevent rotation, then the stability of the insertion portion is improved, but the force required for operation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pressing force parameter is made adjustable, allowing the operator to optimize the balance between stability and operational ease. When stability is needed, the pressing force is increased; when rotation is needed, the pressing force is reduced. This resolves the contradiction by making the force parameter variable rather than fixed.
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 mechanism enables precise control over the rotational force, improving the endoscope's operability and ensuring watertightness by allowing for adjustable frictional force, thus enhancing the device's ability to rotate and bend effectively within body cavities.
Implementation Method 1
a frictional surface which is provided in the other of the operation portion side member and the insertion portion side member and which generates a rotation resisting frictional force between the frictional surface and the elastic member when the frictional surface is pressed onto the elastic member and the insertion portion is rotated
Data Source
AI summary
An endoscope includes an operation portion side member, an insertion portion side member rotatable integrally with the insertion portion, an elastic member provided in one of the operation portion side member and the insertion portion side member, a frictional surface which is provided in the other of the operation portion side member and the insertion portion side member and which generates a frictional force between the frictional surface and the elastic member when the frictional surface is pressed onto the elastic member and the insertion portion is rotated, and a movement adjusting mechanism which relatively moves the operation portion side member and the insertion portion side member to continuously adjust press force acting between the elastic member and the frictional surface while deforming the elastic member.