Endoscope Semi-Fixation Mechanism for Bending Angle Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional endoscopes require increased bending operation force with larger bending angles due to elastic restoring force and friction, leading to user fatigue and potential loss of sight when separating fingers from the operation member, as the bending portion returns to its straight state due to built-in parts and bending rubber.
Innovation Solution
An endoscope design featuring a semi-fixation mechanism with a pulling member, a bending operation member, and an operation force reduction portion, including an elastic member that assists in maintaining the bending angle by providing a reaction force, allowing the user to reduce the operation force and hold the bending position without continuous finger contact.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If the bending angle of the bending portion is increased, then the observation coverage is improved, but the bending operation force increases due to elastic restoring force and friction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a semi-fixation mechanism that dynamically changes the frictional resistance between the drum and friction plate based on operational needs. When the lever is tilted, the friction plate contacts the drum to increase resistance, preventing unintended bending angle changes. This dynamic adjustment allows the system to maintain high bending angles for expanded observation coverage while controlling the force required to hold those positions.
Solution Approach 2:
The friction plate acts as an intermediary element between the operator's input and the bending portion. By introducing this intermediate frictional contact mechanism, the system can amplify and maintain the bending operation force without requiring continuous manual input, thus reducing the overall force burden on the operator while maintaining large bending angles for improved observation coverage.
2Ease of operation
If the user separates the finger from the bending operation member, then user fatigue is reduced, but the bending angle decreases due to elastic restoring force causing loss of sight
Solution Approach 1:
The semi-fixation mechanism enables the bending operation member to maintain its position automatically once set, without requiring continuous user input. The friction plate-drum interaction creates a self-sustaining mechanical lock that holds the bending angle stable even when the user releases the lever, thus reducing user fatigue while preventing loss of sight through bending angle drift.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanism provides mechanical feedback through the friction plate's contact with the drum, creating a stable equilibrium state that resists changes in bending angle. This feedback loop ensures that once a bending position is established, it is maintained automatically, allowing users to release the operation member without worrying about unintended angle changes that would cause loss of sight.
3Stability of the object's composition
If a semi-fixation mechanism is added, then bending angle stability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the semi-fixation mechanism components (friction plate, drum, lever) into the existing bending operation structure. The friction plate is positioned within the same operational space as the bending operation member, and the lever serves dual functions of bending control and semi-fixation activation. This merging approach maintains bending angle stability while minimizing the increase in device complexity.
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 bending and maintains the bending angle, improving user comfort and preventing loss of sight during observation by enabling the endoscope to hold its position effectively.
Implementation Method 1
The bending portion provided in the insertion portion is covered by bending rubber with elastic force. When the bending portion is bent, elastic restoring force for returning the bending portion to a straight line state acts on the bent bending portion due to the bending rubber
Implementation Method 2
the semi-fixation state and a semi-fixation release state, wherein in the semi-fixation state, lever operation brings the friction plate into contact with, for example, a drum to which one end of a bending wire is fixed
Data Source
AI summary
An endoscope includes: an insertion portion; an operation portion; a bending wire that causes a bending portion to bend by pulling; a bending operation member that gives pulling force to the bending wire by swinging; an operation force reduction portion including a spring that can press the bending operation member; and a semi-fixation mechanism switch operation member that makes a switch to a pressing state, in which the spring presses the bending operation member, and to a non-pressing state.