Endoscope Insertion Assembly With Stepless Elastic Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing endoscopes are disposable and their components are not reusable, resulting in high costs due to the need for frequent replacements.
Innovation Solution
An inserting apparatus with a base, a movable element, and an elastic element that allows for fast and stepless positioning of an insertion object, enabling the reuse of the apparatus and reducing costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If disposable endoscopes are used, then reliability is improved, but loss of substance worsens due to frequent replacements
Solution Approach 1:
The endoscope is divided into disposable components (handle device) and reusable components (inserting apparatus with lighting unit and camera unit). The reusable inserting apparatus can be removed from the disposable handle device, allowing the valuable optical components to be recovered and reused while the disposable portion is discarded after single use.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a system where the handle device is designed as disposable and discarded after use, while the inserting apparatus containing the lighting unit and camera unit is recovered and reused. This selective discarding and recovering approach reduces waste of valuable optical components while maintaining reliability through consistent reusable parts.
2Loss of substance
If reusable components are implemented, then loss of substance is reduced, but device complexity increases due to removable and reinsertable structures
Solution Approach 1:
The inserting apparatus incorporates dynamic elements including a movable element that can move along the insertion tube and an elastic element that provides flexible connection. These dynamic components enable the apparatus to be easily assembled and disassembled while maintaining structural integrity during use, reducing the complexity burden of reusability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses an elastic element as a flexible connection component between the movable element and the insertion tube. This flexible element simplifies the assembly structure by eliminating rigid connections and complex fastening mechanisms, allowing easy attachment and detachment while maintaining structural integrity during use.
3Productivity
If fast positioning is achieved, then productivity is improved, but device complexity increases due to elastic element mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic element automatically provides positioning functionality without requiring additional actuators or control mechanisms. When the movable element is inserted, the elastic element's natural elasticity creates immediate positioning force, enabling fast and automatic positioning that improves productivity while adding minimal structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the elastic properties of the elastic element to create positioning force through material parameter characteristics rather than mechanical actuation. By leveraging the inherent elasticity parameter of the material, the system achieves fast positioning without complex control systems or additional moving parts.
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 apparatus allows for the reuse of the inserting apparatus, reducing the overall cost of endoscopes and providing a simple structure for convenient operation.
Implementation Method 1
a gap is formed between one end of the fixed element and the step surface; the gap is configured to accommodate a fixed end of an elastic element; and a pressing element is slidable along an inner wall of the fixed element to push a free end of the elastic element
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
The present disclosure provides an inserting apparatus (1), an endoscope, and a use method, which are applied to the technical field of endoscopy. The inserting apparatus includes a base (10) and a movable element (20), where the base (10) is a hollow structure; an inner wall of the base (10) is provided with a step surface (11); a fixed element (30) is fixedly provided in the base (10); a gap is formed between one end of the fixed element (30) and the step surface (11); the gap is configured to accommodate an elastic element (40); a pressing element (50) is slidable along an inner wall of the fixed element (30) to push the elastic element (40); the movable element (20) includes one end connected to a signal line (60) and the other end connected to a support tube (70); a front end of the support tube (70) is connected to an insertion object, and the support tube (70) is able to pass through the base (10); and the movable element (20) is at least partially movable along an inner wall of the pressing element (50) to enter the base (10), such that the insertion object is fixed at any desired position in the base (10), thereby achieving fast and stepless positioning of the insertion obj ect.