Endoscope Operation Switch Sealing Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional endoscope operation switches and coupling devices face challenges in maintaining waterproof integrity, particularly when used in medical applications, due to the ingress of foreign substances during operation.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a concave portion with a first inclined surface and a cylindrical operation button featuring a second inclined surface with a steeper gradient, combined with a convex sealing portion, which ensures liquid-tight sealing and prevents foreign substances from entering the switch mechanism, even when the button is pressed from a biased position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional operation button with elastic material is used to block water tightly, then waterproof property is improved, but foreign substances can still enter during operation
Solution Approach 1:
The operation button employs a curved inclined surface instead of a flat surface, allowing the button to maintain continuous contact with the sealing surface during pressing operations. This curvature ensures that the sealing lip remains engaged with the convex portion, preventing foreign substance ingress even when the button is pressed from various positions.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing structure uses a localized convex portion on the operation button that specifically contacts a corresponding concave sealing surface. This localized contact point ensures reliable sealing at the critical interface, while the inclined surface provides overall structural support and guidance for the button operation.
2Ease of operation
If the operation button is pressed from a biased position, then operational flexibility is improved, but sealing performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The inclined surface of the operation button is designed with a specific curvature radius that allows the button to tilt and press from biased positions while maintaining contact between the convex sealing portion and the concave sealing surface. This curvature accommodates operational flexibility without compromising the sealing interface.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing structure employs an asymmetric design where the convex portion and concave portion are positioned and shaped to work together during biased pressing. The asymmetric geometry ensures that even when pressed at an angle, the sealing surfaces remain engaged, preventing foreign substance entry while allowing flexible operation.
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 configuration effectively prevents the entry of foreign substances, ensuring reliable operation and easy cleaning of the endoscope and coupling devices while maintaining waterproof integrity.
Implementation Method 1
a convex portion for sealing in an annular shape, the convex portion for sealing projecting from the cylindrical portion and abutting on the concave portion
Data Source
AI summary
An operation switch includes a concave portion in which an inner peripheral surface is constituted by a first inclined surface that is reduced in diameter toward a bottom portion from an external surface of a frame and a cylindrical portion that is formed in a pressing type operation button mounted on the concave portion and in which an outer peripheral surface is constituted by a second inclined surface that has a gradient larger than a gradient of the first inclined surface and faces the inner peripheral surface of the concave portion.