Ultrasound Endoscope Signal Wire Fixation Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ultrasound endoscopes face challenges in easily fixing a signal wire bundle comprising multiple coaxial cables due to the need for the signal wire to match the shape of a given opening, leading to complexity in securing and maintaining the signal wire bundle.
Innovation Solution
The ultrasound endoscope design includes a distal end part with a specific cross-sectional arrangement where the signal wire bundles are disposed in one area, and the observation system unit and forceps tube are positioned in other areas, allowing for easy fixation and deformation of the signal wire bundles using a receiving member and a pressing member with individual pressing surfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the signal wire is made to pass through an opening having a given shape, then the signal wire can be electrically connected to the ultrasound transducer, but the cross sectional shape of the signal wire must coincide with the cross sectional shape of the opening, increasing device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The pressing member changes the physical state of the signal wire by applying pressure, deforming it to match the opening shape without requiring the wire to inherently possess that shape. This parameter change (from circular to matching shape) resolves the contradiction by maintaining reliable electrical connection while allowing the signal wire to retain its simple original cross-sectional shape.
Solution Approach 2:
The pressing member acts as an intermediary between the signal wire and the opening. Instead of directly forcing the signal wire to match the opening shape, the pressing member mediates the interaction by applying controlled pressure to achieve the necessary deformation, thereby simplifying the overall device structure while ensuring reliable connection.
2Reliability
If multiple signal wire bundles are fixed using a rigid structure, then the signal wire bundle can be securely held, but the dead space within the endoscope increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pressing member is designed with flexibility to conform to the signal wire bundles and the internal cavity shape. This flexible structure provides secure fixation of the signal wire bundles while adapting to the available space, thereby minimizing dead space in the distal end part without compromising fixation security.
Solution Approach 2:
The pressing member transitions from a two-dimensional flat structure to a three-dimensional contoured structure that wraps around the signal wire bundles. This dimensional change allows the pressing member to securely hold multiple signal wire bundles while occupying minimal volume within the distal end part.
3Manufacturing precision
If the signal wire bundle is deformed to fit the opening, then the signal wire can be properly positioned, but the outer coat of the signal wire may be damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The pressing member is designed with cushioning properties to distribute the deforming force evenly across the signal wire bundle. This beforehand cushioning prevents concentrated stress that could damage the outer coat, while still achieving the necessary deformation for proper positioning of the signal wire within the opening.
Solution Approach 2:
The pressing member applies controlled pressure to gradually deform the signal wire bundle to the required shape. By changing the pressure parameter in a controlled manner rather than applying sudden force, the outer coat is protected from damage while achieving precise positioning of the signal wire.
Data Source
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AI summary
Provided is an ultrasound endoscope capable of easily fixing signal wire bundles including a plurality of coaxial cables. An ultrasound endoscope is an ultrasound endoscope (12) in which an ultrasound transducer (46) is disposed in a distal end part of an insertion part, and includes a plurality of signal wire bundles (72) that are electrically connected to the ultrasound transducer and extend along a central axis of the distal end part, each signal wire bundle including a plurality of coaxial cables (72a), a shield layer (72b) with which the plurality of coaxial cables are coated, and an outer coat (72c) with which the shield layer is coated, and a receiving member (110) and a pressing member (120) that are positioned on a distal end side of the plurality of signal wire bundles, the receiving member being disposed on an outer peripheral side and the pressing member being disposed on an inner side, in the distal end part. The plurality of signal wire bundles are fixed by being sandwiched between the receiving member and the pressing member.