Endoscope Switch Dome Structure Against Autoclave Misactivation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Medical endoscopes face issues with switch activation during autoclave sterilization, where pressure differences can cause unintended switch activation due to the retraction of switch covers, leading to operational failures post-sterilization.

Innovation Solution

The design incorporates an elastic operation member with a dome-shaped protrusion and a compression mechanism that maintains a balanced state with predetermined tension, preventing retraction and ensuring reliable switch operation even under varying pressure conditions, and requires a specific force to activate the electric switch.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a conventional press type switch device with a flexible switch cover is used, then the switch can be operated by pressing, but the switch cover retracts under pressure difference during autoclave sterilization causing unintended switch activation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveswitch operationVSAvoidswitch activation reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses a dome-shaped elastic operation member made of flexible material that maintains its shape under pressure difference. The dome shape provides structural integrity while allowing controlled deformation only when sufficient pressing force is applied, preventing unintended activation during autoclave sterilization

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the physical parameters of the switch cover by using an elastic operation member with specific elastic modulus and dome geometry. This allows the cover to resist deformation under normal pressure differences during sterilization while still being deformable when sufficient force is applied for intentional switch activation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If the switch cover is made more rigid to prevent retraction, then switch activation reliability improves, but the ease of operation decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveswitch activation reliabilityVSAvoidswitch operation

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a dome-shaped elastic operation member where the curved geometry provides structural strength to resist pressure difference during sterilization. The spherical curvature distributes stress evenly, maintaining reliability while the dome's inherent elasticity allows it to deform under sufficient pressing force for operation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

3Reliability

If the elastic force of the dome portion is increased to prevent retraction, then reliability improves, but the force required for switch operation increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprevention of unintended activationVSAvoidpressing force required

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies partial elastic force through the dome-shaped structure that provides sufficient resistance against normal pressure differences during sterilization. The elastic force is calibrated to be excessive for preventing unintended activation but allows controlled deformation when sufficient pressing force is intentionally applied by the operator

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

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

This solution enhances the reliability and operability of medical endoscope switches by preventing unintended activation during and after autoclave sterilization, ensuring consistent performance and water-tightness.

Implementation Method 1

The dome portion is formed in a dome shape in a natural state, configured to be elastically deformed to a balanced state with a predetermined tension, and held in a dome shape different from the natural state

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS11937772B2Operation switch, medical device provided with operation switch, and endoscope provided with operation switch

Publication Date: 2024.03.26 OLYMPUS CORPORATION(JP)

AI summary

An operation switch includes an elastic operation member, a pressing member, and a switch main body. The elastic operation member is formed of an elastic member, and includes a dome portion on one end side and a circumferential plane portion on the other end side. The dome portion is formed in a dome shape in a natural state, elastically deformed to a balanced state with a predetermined tension different from the natural state, and held as a dome shape. The pressing member moves by deforming the dome portion, and presses an electric switch. The switch main body includes a recess for switch in which an electric switch is disposed, a housing hole in which the pressing member is housed, and a central protrusion around which an inner plane of the circumferential plane portion of the elastic operation member is disposed.