Endoscope Assembly Segmented Threaded Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional endoscope assemblies are inconvenient to assemble and position due to insecure threaded connections, leading to inaccurate positioning and a limited viewable area, as the positioning ring and side-view member are difficult to accurately fasten onto the hollow tube.
Innovation Solution
The assembly features a tubular member with distinct threaded and threadless portions, allowing the positioning ring to be axially moved and the sleeve to be rapidly sleeved, with a stopping mechanism to ensure secure attachment, enabling convenient and accurate positioning by pushing the positioning ring against the sleeve.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the positioning ring and side-view member are separately threaded onto the hollow tube, then the assembly can be completed, but the positioning is inaccurate and the operation is inconvenient
Solution Approach 1:
The tubular member is divided into three distinct sections: a first threaded portion, a threadless middle portion, and a second threaded portion. This segmentation allows the positioning ring to be independently positioned on the first threaded portion while the sleeve is positioned on the second threaded portion, enabling accurate and independent positioning of each component without interfering with each other's adjustment.
Solution Approach 2:
The threadless middle portion acts as an intermediary element between the two threaded portions. It provides a smooth transition zone that allows the positioning ring to slide freely during positioning while preventing direct interference between the threading mechanisms of the positioning ring and sleeve, thus facilitating convenient operation while maintaining positioning accuracy.
2Reliability
If the side-view member is positioned too close to the first opening, then the threaded connection is secure, but the viewable area of the camera lens becomes too small
Solution Approach 1:
By dividing the tubular member into separate threaded and threadless portions, the design allows the sleeve to be positioned at the optimal location on the second threaded portion that balances both connection security and viewable area requirements, independent of the positioning ring's location on the first threaded portion.
Solution Approach 2:
The solution moves the positioning control to a different dimensional approach by using axial positioning on separate threaded portions rather than relying solely on radial threading engagement. This allows the sleeve to be positioned at the precise axial location needed for optimal viewing while maintaining secure threaded connection.
3Area of stationary object
If the side-view member is positioned too far from the first opening, then the viewable area is sufficient, but the threaded connection becomes insecure and disengagement occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The separation of threaded portions allows the sleeve to engage with the second threaded portion at a position that provides both adequate viewable area and secure connection. The positioning ring on the first threaded portion can independently provide additional stabilization without compromising the sleeve's threaded engagement security.
4Measurement precision
If markings are added to the hollow tube to indicate fastening distance, then positioning information is provided, but the assembly operation remains inconvenient due to separate positioning of two components
Solution Approach 1:
The division into separate threaded portions with their own positioning mechanisms allows each component to be independently positioned and secured. This eliminates the need for complex coordinated adjustments of two components, as each can be positioned separately on its designated threaded portion, simplifying the overall assembly operation while maintaining precise positioning.
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 design allows for rapid, accurate, and secure positioning of the side-view member on the tubular member, ensuring a broader viewable area and preventing disengagement, thus enhancing the assembly process's efficiency and effectiveness.
Implementation Method 1
The threaded section and the opening of the sleeve are spaced from each other in such a way that the sleeve can be rapidly threadedly sleeved onto the tubular member
Implementation Method 2
The positioning ring includes a threaded part formed on an internal wall thereof and threadedly connected with the second threaded portion of the tubular member to be moved along the tubular member axially
Implementation Method 3
The second threaded portion has a stopping portion formed at an opposite end thereof with respect to the opening to stop the positioning ring from moving toward a rear end of the tubular member behind the second threaded portion and from disengaging from the tubular member
Implementation Method 4
the positioning ring can be pushed against the sleeve to fasten the sleeve onto the tubular member
Data Source
AI summary
An assembly for the endoscope is composed of a tubular member, a positioning ring, and a sleeve. The tubular member on its external wall includes a first threaded portion and a second threaded portion spaced from the first threaded portion. The positioning ring includes a threaded part formed on an internal wall thereof for axial movement along the tubular member. The sleeve includes a threaded section formed on an internal wall thereof. When the sleeve is sleeved onto the tubular member, the threaded section is located between the first and second threaded portions and stopped against the first threaded portion; meanwhile, the positioning ring can be pushed against the sleeve to fasten the sleeve onto the tubular member. Accordingly, the sleeve can be accurately, rapidly, and conveniently positioned onto the tubular member.