Endoscope Steering Mechanism Reducing Manufacturing Complexity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional endoscope hand controllers have complex and costly steering mechanisms that are not customizable, making them less efficient and adaptable for different users and manufacturing processes.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of a steering control mechanism with a rotational drive wheel system that allows for one-way relative rotation of drum elements, adjustable tension in steering wires, and customizable components such as interchangeable casing components and spacing elements to alter the steering response, simplifying manufacturing and user experience.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional steering mechanism is used in the hand controller, then the endoscope can be manufactured with proven reliability, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The steering mechanism is segmented into modular components: a rotational drive wheel with multiple independently rotatable drum elements, each drum element having a steering wire wrapped around it. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured and adjusted separately, reducing overall complexity while maintaining reliability through proven modular design principles.
Solution Approach 2:
The drum elements are configured to be independently rotatable relative to the drive wheel, enabling dynamic adjustment of steering wire tension and length. This dynamic capability allows the system to adapt to different steering requirements without requiring multiple fixed configurations, thereby reducing device complexity while preserving reliability.
2Productivity
If a conventional steering mechanism is used in the hand controller, then the endoscope can operate with standard steering control, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The rotational drive wheel serves multiple functions: it provides the primary steering control mechanism, allows independent adjustment of each drum element for tensioning and length control, and enables customizable steering responses through different drum configurations. This multi-functionality consolidates what would otherwise require separate mechanisms, reducing manufacturing cost while improving productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables parameter changes in steering wire tension, length, and drum element positioning through independent rotation of each drum element. This adjustability allows optimization of steering performance for different applications without requiring multiple complete steering mechanisms, thereby reducing manufacturing cost while maintaining high productivity.
3Ease of manufacture
If fixed drum element configuration is used, then the manufacturing process is simplified, but the adaptability for different users and procedures is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The drum elements are designed to be independently rotatable, providing dynamic adjustability of steering wire tension and length. This dynamic configuration allows the same manufactured device to be adapted to different user preferences and procedural requirements, achieving high adaptability without complicating the manufacturing process.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables user-level customization through self-adjustment of drum element positions and steering wire tensions. This self-service capability allows end users to optimize steering response for their specific needs without requiring complex manufacturing processes or specialized assembly procedures.
4Ease of operation
If multiple separate control mechanisms are used for each steering wire, then precise control is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple drum elements are merged onto a single rotational drive wheel, allowing each drum element to control a separate steering wire while sharing the common drive wheel structure. This merging approach achieves precise independent control of each steering wire without requiring completely separate control mechanisms, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotational drive wheel serves as a universal control structure that accommodates multiple drum elements, each independently controllable for its respective steering wire. This multi-functional design achieves precise control of multiple steering wires through a single integrated mechanism, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining ease of operation.
Data Source
AI summary
Various embodiments provide an imaging endoscopy system comprising a hand controller, an insertion section having a proximal end connected to the hand controller and a distal end for insertion into a subject, the distal end having a steering section and a distal tip, and a steering control mechanism comprising a first continuous steering wire. The first continuous steering wire has first and second ends coupled to a user control assembly at the hand controller, and an intermediate portion fixed at the distal tip of the insertion section, thereby defining two steering wire portions extending from the hand controller to the distal tip, said steering wire portions capable of being tensioned to cause bending of the steering section in response to operation of the user control assembly of the hand controller.