Endoscope Shaft Element with Two-Axis Joints for Multi-Directional Bending
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing endoscope shafts face limitations in achieving large angle bending with minimal bending radius and maintaining image stability, as they require multiple segments and complex mechanics, leading to increased diameter and restricted applications.
Innovation Solution
A shaft element with two segments connected by three two-axis joints, allowing tipping in all directions without rotation, where one joint is fixed and the others can slide independently, enabling bending in all spatial directions without material strain or rotation, thus maintaining image stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple segments with single-axis pivot joints are used to achieve large angle bending, then the bending angle capability is improved, but the minimum bending radius increases and the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The shaft is divided into multiple segments that can pivot relative to each other, allowing the endoscope to achieve large bending angles while maintaining a compact structure. Each segment contains two-axis joints that enable independent movement in multiple directions, reducing the overall number of segments needed compared to single-axis systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces two-axis joints that allow movement in multiple dimensions (X and Y axes) simultaneously. This dimensional expansion enables the shaft to achieve complex bending paths with fewer segments, reducing the minimum bending radius while maintaining large angle capability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple segments with alternately rotated pivot axes are used to enable bending in several planes, then the multi-plane bending capability is improved, but the minimum bending radius increases
Solution Approach 1:
The shaft is divided into multiple segments that can pivot relative to each other, allowing the endoscope to achieve large bending angles while maintaining a compact structure. Each segment contains two-axis joints that enable independent movement in multiple directions, reducing the overall number of segments needed compared to single-axis systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces two-axis joints that allow movement in multiple dimensions (X and Y axes) simultaneously. This dimensional expansion enables the shaft to achieve complex bending paths with fewer segments, reducing the minimum bending radius while maintaining large angle capability.
3Ease of operation
If the shaft is configured to be flexible with multiple segments to facilitate insertion and angle adjustment, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity and diameter increase
Solution Approach 1:
The shaft is divided into multiple segments that can pivot relative to each other, allowing the endoscope to achieve large bending angles while maintaining a compact structure. Each segment contains two-axis joints that enable independent movement in multiple directions, reducing the overall number of segments needed compared to single-axis systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The shaft structure incorporates movable joints that allow dynamic adjustment of the endoscope tip angle during operation. The two-axis joints enable smooth, continuous movement in multiple directions, providing operators with precise control over the bending angle and direction without requiring complex mechanical systems.
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
Enables flexible and compact endoscope tips that can be bent in all directions with a short length, maintaining image stability and allowing use in narrow cavities without the need for complex mechanics or increased diameter.
Implementation Method 1
The connecting elements each comprise a first two-axis joint, which allows tipping motions around two axes that are perpendicular to one another, which are each crosswise to a longitudinal axis of the shaft
Implementation Method 2
A second and third of the three connecting elements can be slid independently of one another with respect to the first shaft segment in a longitudinal direction of the shaft
Data Source
AI summary
A shaft element for an endoscopic instrument includes a first, proximal shaft segment and a second, distal shaft segment, such that the second shaft segment is connected with the first shaft segment by three connecting elements, such that the connecting elements each include a first two-axis joint, such that the first joints form a triangle and such that the first connecting element is connected with the first shaft segment in such a way that it cannot slide with respect to the latter in a longitudinal direction, and a second and third connecting elements can each be slid with respect to the first shaft segment in a longitudinal direction independently of one another. The invention also relates to an endoscopic instrument, in particular an endoscope with such a shaft segment.