Endoscope Steering Mechanism Single Input Two Bending Planes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional endoscopes with four-way bending mechanisms are difficult for users with small hands to operate, as they require manipulation of two steering input wheels simultaneously, and braking mechanisms often necessitate a second hand for control and stabilization.
Innovation Solution
An endoscope with a steering mechanism that allows bending in two planes using a single manually operable steering input element, featuring a steering switch mechanism that switches between modes of operation for each plane, and includes a braking system that can be controlled with minimal hand movement, reducing the need for simultaneous operation of multiple components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If two steering input wheels are provided for controlling bending in two planes, then the endoscope achieves four-way bending capability, but users with small hands cannot fully reach and manipulate both wheels simultaneously
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines two separate steering input wheels into a single integrated steering input element. This single element can control bending in both the first and second bending planes, eliminating the need for users to reach across and manipulate two separate wheels simultaneously, thereby solving the accessibility problem for users with small hands while maintaining four-way bending capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The single steering input element is designed to perform multiple functions: it can control bending in the first bending plane, bending in the second bending plane, and potentially neutral positions. This multi-functional design replaces the need for two separate specialized wheels, making the device accessible to users with small hands while preserving full steering capability.
2Reliability
If separate brake mechanisms are provided for each steering wheel, then the position of each wheel can be fixed independently, but a second hand is needed to operate the brake mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the brake mechanisms into a unified system that can be operated with a single hand. The brake mechanism is integrated with the single steering input element, allowing the user to control both steering and braking functions with one hand, eliminating the need for a second hand to operate separate brake mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The brake mechanism is designed to be automatically engaged or disengaged as part of the normal operation of the single steering input element. The system provides self-service braking functionality that is inherently linked to the steering control, reducing the need for separate manual intervention and enabling one-handed operation.
3Measurement precision
If two steering input wheels are provided, then precise control in both bending planes is achieved, but the device complexity and number of components increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functional capabilities of two separate steering input wheels into a single integrated steering input element. This reduces the number of components and simplifies the overall device structure while maintaining the precision control capability in both bending planes through the unified design.
Solution Approach 2:
The single steering input element is designed to provide precise control for both bending planes through its multi-functional capability. By integrating the control mechanisms for both planes into one element, the patent reduces device complexity while preserving the precision steering functionality that would otherwise require two separate wheels.
Data Source
AI summary
An endoscope (1) including a handle (2), an insertion cord (3), and a steering mechanism, the insertion cord (3) including an insertion tube (4), a bending section (5) and a distal tip unit (6), the steering mechanism including a manually operable steering input element (7) to receive a rotational input by a user and being connected to a control shaft, which is rotatably supported at the endoscope handle (2) and a steering switch mechanism (13) configured to switch a coupling state of the steering input element (7) at least between a first mode of operation, in which the steering mechanism bends the bending section (5) in a first bending plane, and a second mode of operation, in which the steering mechanism bends the bending section (5) in a second bending plane.