Flexible Endoscope Shank Threaded Drive Angling Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing flexible endoscope shanks face challenges with controllability due to cable pulls that lengthen over time, requiring frequent re-tensioning, and have construction and maintenance issues with micromotors, leading to reduced angling precision and increased friction.
Innovation Solution
A shank design featuring a threaded drive for longitudinal adjustment of a tensioning means, such as a cable pull or flexible rod, within a curvable second shank portion, allowing precise angling without affecting the first shank portion's flexibility, and enabling independent control of the distal end without the need for constant re-tensioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If cable pulls are used for actuating segments in the controllable portion of the endoscope shank, then the shank can be angled in a desired direction, but the cable pulls lengthen after repeated use requiring regular re-tensioning and increasing friction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional cable pull mechanical system with a push rod mechanism. The push rod is guided in a longitudinally displaceable manner and connected to the distal end of the controllable shank portion, eliminating the need for cable pulls that require re-tensioning. This substitution resolves the reliability issue while maintaining angling control functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the mechanical parameter from tension-based cable pulls to displacement-based push rods. By guiding the push rod in a longitudinally displaceable manner and connecting it to the distal end, the system achieves angling control through positional displacement rather than tension, eliminating the lengthening problem inherent in cable pulls.
2Ease of operation
If permanent tensioning of cable pulls is applied to maintain angling control, then controllability is improved, but the shank shortens affecting flexibility and surface quality
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the tension-based cable pull system with a displacement-based push rod system. The push rod is guided longitudinally and connected to the distal end without requiring permanent tensioning, thus maintaining angling controllability while preventing shank shortening and preserving flexibility and surface quality.
3Extent of automation
If micromotors are used for controlling shank angling, then automated control is achieved, but construction and maintenance complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex micromotor systems with a simpler push rod mechanism guided in a longitudinally displaceable manner. This mechanical substitution eliminates motors, gears, and associated control electronics, significantly reducing construction and maintenance complexity while maintaining automated control capability through the push rod's longitudinal displacement.
4Adaptability or versatility
If cable pulls are guided through curved shank portions, then angling in non-rectilinear channels is enabled, but friction increases and cables may sever
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces friction-prone cable pulls with a push rod system that is guided in a longitudinally displaceable manner through the shank. The push rod mechanism eliminates the high friction and wear issues encountered by cable pulls in curved portions, preventing cable severing while maintaining the ability to navigate non-rectilinear channels.
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 solution provides precise, robust, and cost-effective control of the endoscope tip angulation, reducing maintenance needs and improving flexibility and surface quality, while eliminating the need for frequent cable re-tensioning and minimizing friction-related issues.
Implementation Method 1
at least one threaded drive is arranged for the longitudinal adjustment of the at least one tensioning means
Implementation Method 2
at least one tensioning means is arranged inside the second shank portion that acts in the longitudinal direction of the second shank portion
Data Source
AI summary
A shank for a flexible endoscope or for a flexible endoscopic instrument includes a first shank portion and, a second shank portion, angled relative to a distal end region of the first shank portion by a longitudinal adjustment of at least one tensioning means which is guided in a longitudinally displaceable manner inside the second shank portion and connected to a distal end region of the second shank portion. The longitudinal adjustment by least one threaded drive, which can be driven by at least one torsion shaft extending inside the first shank portion. The invention also relates to a flexible endoscope and a flexible endoscopic instrument.