Multidirectional Endoscope Self-Locking Bending Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing flexible medical endoscopes are limited by unidirectional or bidirectional turning capabilities, requiring additional locking devices and increasing operator fatigue and risk during complex procedures, especially for unfamiliar or inexperienced operators.
Innovation Solution
A multidirectional turning endoscope with a self-locking bending mechanism, utilizing two pairs of turning traction wires and a self-locking bending driving portion with left-right and up-down driving rods, conical faces, and a spring system for stepless locking at any bending position, allowing for easy one-handed operation and reduced fatigue.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If additional locking devices are added to enable multidirectional turning, then the turning capability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the locking function into the existing bending driving mechanism by integrating a conical locking surface and spring into the bending driving portion. This combines multiple functions (bending and locking) into a single integrated mechanism, enabling multidirectional turning without adding separate locking devices, thus resolving the contradiction between improved turning capability and reduced device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism is designed to automatically engage and disengage based on the bending state. The spring-driven conical locking surface provides self-locking at any bending position without requiring manual intervention or additional control systems. This self-service locking feature enables versatile turning while maintaining simple device structure
2Stability of the object's composition
If manual locking is used to maintain bending state, then the positioning stability is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism automatically maintains positioning stability through spring-driven conical locking surfaces that engage at any bending position. The system self-regulates the locking state based on the bending angle, eliminating the need for manual locking operations while maintaining stable positioning throughout the procedure
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism dynamically adjusts to different bending positions through the conical locking surfaces. As the bending angle changes, the locking surfaces automatically engage at the appropriate position, providing continuous stable positioning without manual intervention. This dynamic adaptation maintains both stability and ease of operation
3Stability of the object's composition
If locking and unlocking operations are performed manually, then the positioning stability is improved, but the loss of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism operates automatically without manual intervention. The spring-driven conical locking surfaces engage and disengage automatically as the bending state changes, eliminating the time required for manual locking and unlocking operations while maintaining stable positioning throughout the procedure
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism provides continuous automatic locking action throughout the entire bending range. Unlike manual locking that requires discrete engagement and disengagement steps, the spring-driven conical surfaces continuously maintain locking at any bending position, eliminating time losses and ensuring uninterrupted stable 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
The endoscope achieves reliable positioning, reduced operator fatigue, and enhanced surgical safety by enabling stepless self-locking in any direction, improving the precision and efficiency of endoscopic procedures.
Implementation Method 1
a spring, which is capable of driving the left half shaft to move towards a direction of the left conical cylinder, driving the right half shaft to move towards a direction of the right conical cylinder
Implementation Method 2
forcing the left outer conical face to closely fitted with the left conical cylinder for self-locking, and forcing the right outer conical face to closely fitted with the right conical cylinder for self-locking
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a multidirectional turning endoscope, which includes an insertion portion (2), an endoscope handle (4) and a bending driving portion (3); wherein: the bending driving portion includes a left-right driving rod, an up-down driving rod, a rotation shaft, a left turning wheel (17), a right turning wheel (18) and a spring (19); the rotation shaft includes a left half shaft (15) and a right half shaft (16); the external surface of the left half shaft and the external surface of the right half shaft respectively have a left outer conical face and a right outer conical face, a left conical cylinder and a right conical cylinder (20) are respectively sleeved to the left outer conical face and a right outer conical face; a spring (19) is located at an axial direction of the left half shaft and the right half shaft.