Endoscope Stress Estimation via Segmented Force Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems for estimating stress in examined bodies during insertion of flexible members, such as endoscopes, lack precision in calculating stress distribution and contact forces, leading to potential damage and discomfort due to incomplete force measurement and stress analysis.
Innovation Solution
A stress estimation system that includes a flexible member with a force information acquisition unit and a stress estimation unit, which calculates stress information based on acquired force data, using sensors to detect position and shape changes along the insertion section, allowing for precise estimation of stress in the examined body.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If force information acquisition is performed using conventional sensors, then force measurement is achieved, but stress distribution calculation precision is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible member is divided into multiple measurement sections along its insertion length. Each section is equipped with its own force information acquisition unit (sensors) that independently measures local force values. This segmentation allows the system to capture the distributed nature of forces acting on the flexible member during insertion, enabling precise calculation of stress distribution at different locations rather than providing a single aggregate force measurement.
2Loss of information
If multiple sensors are deployed along the flexible member, then force measurement completeness improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The force information acquisition units are designed with multi-functionality to reduce overall system complexity. Each sensor unit not only measures force magnitude but also detects directional components and positional information. This universal design allows a single sensor type to perform multiple measurement functions, eliminating the need for separate specialized sensors for different force components and thereby reducing the overall complexity of the sensing system.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple sensing functions are merged into integrated force information acquisition units that are distributed along the flexible member. Rather than using separate sensors for force magnitude, direction, and position, the system combines these functions into unified measurement sections. This merging reduces the total number of discrete components and simplifies the data processing architecture while achieving complete force measurement.
3Reliability
If stress calculation is performed in real-time during insertion, then safety feedback is improved, but calculation time and processing load increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-calculating stress distribution patterns and force-stress relationship models before the actual insertion procedure. Reference data and calculation parameters are prepared in advance based on the flexible member's mechanical properties and expected insertion conditions. During real-time operation, the system only needs to input measured force values and retrieve pre-computed stress distributions, dramatically reducing calculation time while maintaining reliable safety feedback.
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
Enables accurate calculation of stress distribution and contact forces, reducing the risk of damage and discomfort by providing real-time feedback for safe and effective insertion procedures.
Implementation Method 1
an insertion section is provided with a strain gauge, and the amount of force, which is received from the examined body when the insertion section comes in contact with the surface of the examined body, is measured by the strain gauge
Implementation Method 2
a detection apparatus configured to detect the amount of force, which is received from an organ in a body cavity, by a pressure-sensitive sensor provided on a distal end of an insertion section of an endoscope
Data Source
AI summary
A stress estimation system includes a flexible member with flexibility. The flexible member is to be inserted into an inside of an examined body and to apply force to an inner surface of the examined body. The stress estimation system also includes a force information acquisition unit configured to acquire force information relating to force acting on the flexible member, and a stress estimation unit configured to calculate information of stress relating to a stress estimation area, based on the force information.