Endoscope Operation Member with Spring Torque Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional endoscopes require significant operational force to bend the bending portion, leading to user fatigue and reduced operability, especially during precise bending operations.
Innovation Solution
The endoscope incorporates an amount-of-operation-force reducing portion with a pulley unit and compression springs that offset the operation torque, reducing the force required for bending operations by providing additional rotation torque, allowing for easier and more precise bending in multiple directions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a conventional operation member (lever or joystick) is used to bend the bending portion, then the bending operation can be performed, but the operation force required becomes large causing user fatigue
Solution Approach 1:
A force-generating member (spring mechanism) is introduced as an intermediary between the operation member and the bending portion. This intermediary generates auxiliary force to assist the user's operation, reducing the total force the user must apply while still achieving the desired bending effect.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring mechanism acts as a counterbalancing force system that opposes the resistance from the bending portion. By generating force in the direction of the desired bending movement, it counteracts the resistive forces that would otherwise require significant user effort to overcome.
2Measurement precision
If significant operation force is applied to bend the bending portion, then the bending operation can be achieved, but user fatigue increases and precise bending becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The spring mechanism provides continuous force feedback during the bending operation. As the bending portion moves, the spring's compression and expansion states change, providing natural resistance and assistance that helps the user sense and control the bending degree more precisely without excessive force application.
Solution Approach 2:
The counterbalancing spring force allows for fine control of bending by reducing the minimum force threshold needed to initiate and control small bending movements. This enables precise adjustments without the operation becoming overly difficult or requiring excessive delicacy.
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
This design significantly reduces the operational force needed for bending, preventing user fatigue and enhancing the ability to perform precise and slight bending operations, thereby improving the overall usability and efficiency of the endoscope.
Implementation Method 1
an amount-of-operation-force reducing portion having a pulley unit and compression springs that offset the operation torque
Implementation Method 2
an amount-of-operation-force reducing portion having a pulley unit and compression springs that offset the operation torque
Data Source
AI summary
An endoscope includes: operation wires insertedly arranged inside an insertion portion and an operation portion, the operation wires causing a bending portion to bend by being pulled/slackened; an operation member provided on the operation portion, the operation member performing a bending operation of the bending portion; a rotation member provided in the operation portion, the rotation member pulling/slackening the operation wires by rotating in conjunction with an operation of the operation member; and an amount-of-operation-force reducing portion giving rotation torque in a direction in which the rotation member inclines to reduce an amount of operation force of the operation member, in response to inclination of the operation member, wherein the rotation torque of the amount-of-operation-force reducing portion changes in conjunction with displacement of the operation member operated, and the amount-of-operation-force reducing portion offsets and reduces the amount of operation force required for the operation member.