Endoscope Deflection Linkage for Self-Aligning Shaft Bending
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing endoscopic devices face issues with disordered connecting elements during deflection, which can hinder functionality, especially during insertion and removal from a patient, and lack a self-alignment mechanism to maintain order.
Innovation Solution
The endoscopic device incorporates a deflection mechanism with first and second connecting elements that maintain a defined geometric relationship, increasing distance between centers during deflection, allowing for a self-returning effect and reducing friction through contoured surfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the connecting elements are arranged in a traditional deflection mechanism, then the device can be deflected, but the connecting elements become disordered when returning from deflection position, hindering functionality
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies spherical contact surfaces (concave and convex) to the connecting elements. The convex contact surface of one element fits into the concave contact surface of the adjacent element, creating a spherical joint-like connection. This curvature design allows the elements to rotate and deflect while automatically centering themselves, preventing disorder when returning from deflected positions and maintaining reliable operation.
2Device complexity
If the distance between connecting element centers remains constant during deflection, then the structure is simple, but the elements cannot self-align and may become disordered
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the distance parameter between the centers of connecting elements during deflection. Specifically, the distance increases when elements deflect and decreases when they return to the straight position. This dynamic parameter change creates a self-aligning effect that guides the elements back to their correct positions without requiring complex active control mechanisms.
3Ease of manufacture
If conventional connecting elements are used without special contours, then manufacturing is easier, but friction between elements increases during deflection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs curved contact surfaces (concave and convex contours) on the connecting elements. These spherical-like surfaces reduce the contact area and allow for smoother relative motion during deflection, thereby reducing friction between elements while maintaining structural integrity and ease of manufacture.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to an endoscopic device (16a-j) with at least one shaft (26a; 26b; 26c; 26d; 26i; 26j) which has at least one section (42a) that can be deflected in at least one plane (44a), and with at least one deflection mechanism (46a-j) which is designed to deflect the deflectable section (42a) and is arranged in series, comprising at least one first connecting element (48a; 48c; 48e; 48i) and at least one second connecting element (50a; 50c; 50e; 50f; 50g; 50h; 50i) which cooperates with the first connecting element (48a; 48c; 48e; 48i) to deflect it, wherein in a straight position of the first connecting element (48a; 48c; 48e; 48i) and the second connecting link (50a; 50c; 50e; 50f; 50g; 50h; 50i) have a straight-line distance (68a; 68c) relative to each other, which is formed by a shortest connection of a geometric center (64a; 64c) of the first connecting link (48a; 48c; 48e;48i) and a geometric center (66a; 66c) of the second connecting member (50a; 50c; 50e; 50f; 50g; 50h; 50i), and in a deflection position of the first connecting member (48a; 48c; 48e; 48i) and the second connecting member (50a; 50c; 50e; 50f; 50g; 50h; 50i) relative to each other, a deflection position distance (70a; 70c) exists, which is defined by a shortest connection of a geometric center (64a; 64c) of the first connecting member (48a; 48c; 48e; 48i) and a geometric center (66a; 66c) of the second connecting member (50a; 50c; 50e; 50f; 50g; 50h; 50i) is defined, and the deflection position distance (70a; 70c) of the connecting elements (48a; 48c; 48e; 48i; 50a; 50c; 50e; 50f; 50g; 50h; 50i) in the deflection position is greater than the straight position distance (68a; 68c) of the connecting elements (48a; 48c; 48e; 48i; 50a; 50c; 50e; 50f; 50g; 50h; 50i) in the straight position.;