Endoscope Connection Body Swaged Joint Member
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing endoscope connection technologies face durability issues due to the need for repetitive operation, and soldering techniques require high skill and lead to potential wire deterioration.
Innovation Solution
A connection body comprising a joint member with a cylindrical shape and a through hole, where the medium-diameter portion is plastically deformed through swaging to secure the wire, creating a durable connection without soldering, allowing the wire to maintain its original shape and preventing deformation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If soldering technique is used to fix the joint member to the wire, then the connection strength is improved, but the manufacturing complexity and skill requirement increase, and wire deterioration risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the soldering process (thermal/chemical system) with a mechanical pressurization and plastic deformation system. The joint member is fixed to the wire through mechanical pressure applied by a pressurizing member, causing plastic deformation of the joint member material that secures the wire without requiring soldering skills or equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a pressurizing member as an intermediary component between the joint member and the wire. This pressurizing member applies the necessary mechanical force to deform the joint member and secure the wire, simplifying the manufacturing process by separating the pressing function from the joining function.
2Strength
If soldering technique is used to fix the joint member to the wire, then the connection strength is improved, but the production time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the multi-step soldering process (preparation, heating, solder application, cooling) with a single-step mechanical pressurization process. The pressurizing member directly applies force to deform the joint member and secure the wire instantly, eliminating heating and cooling time.
3Reliability
If the joint member is plastically deformed through pressurization, then the wire fixation durability is improved, but the joint member structure complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the joint member into functionally distinct portions: a first cylindrical portion for pressurization and wire fixation, and a second cylindrical portion for connection to the operating mechanism. This segmentation allows each portion to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by making only the necessary portion of the joint member plastically deformable. The first cylindrical portion is designed with material properties that allow controlled plastic deformation under pressurization, while the second cylindrical portion maintains its original shape and strength for reliable connection to the operating mechanism.
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 solution provides a highly durable and stable connection between the endoscope wire and joint member, enhancing the operational longevity of the endoscope and simplifying the fabrication process by eliminating the need for soldering, thus reducing the risk of wire deterioration and shortening the production time.
Implementation Method 1
a part of the first cylindrical portion being plastically deformed through pressurization to deform a part of the through hole such that the wire is fixed
Data Source
AI summary
A connection body includes: a wire for operating an endoscope; and a joint member having a cylindrical shape including a through hole into which the wire is inserted, the joint member being configured to be joined to an operating mechanism of the endoscope including an operating lever, the joint member including: a first cylindrical portion provided on a longitudinal rear end side of the joint member, a part of the first cylindrical portion being plastically deformed through pressurization to deform a part of the through hole such that the wire is fixed; and a second cylindrical portion provided on a front end side of the first cylindrical portion and having an outer diameter smaller than an outer diameter of the first cylindrical portion. The part of the first cylindrical portion plastically deformed is separated from the second cylindrical portion.