Endoscope Tension Adjusting Unit for Lens Precision
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional endoscopes face issues with cable fixation, leading to impaired lens adjustment precision, assembly difficulties, and a tendency for the working channel to twist or loosen, which limits the instrument's ability to enter body tracts smoothly, degrading medical quality.
Innovation Solution
The endoscope design incorporates a handle, catheter, instrument tube, linkage unit, controlling unit, cables, tension units, and a tension adjusting unit with a Z-type cable insertion structure and regulation clamps to enhance precision and stability, preventing twisting and loosening, and ensuring smooth insertion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional cable fixation method is used, then the structure is simple, but the lens adjustment precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The cable fixation system is segmented into multiple functional components: regulation clamps with adjustable clamping positions, Z-type cable insertion structures with specific routing paths, and tension adjusting units with discrete adjustment levels. This segmentation allows precise control of cable tension and position, directly improving lens adjustment precision while maintaining manageable structural complexity through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by providing multiple clamping positions on regulation clamps, allowing the cable fixation point to be adjusted along the catheter. This enables fine-tuning of cable tension and lens angle, achieving precise adjustment control. The Z-type insertion structure also provides parameter control through its specific geometric configuration, optimizing cable routing and tension distribution.
2Stability of the object's composition
If traditional assembly method is used, then the assembly process is fast, but the working channel twists or loosens
Solution Approach 1:
The regulation clamps are pre-configured with multiple clamping positions and the Z-type cable insertion structures are pre-formed with specific routing paths. During assembly, operators only need to select appropriate clamping positions and insert cables into pre-defined Z-type paths, rather than creating these structures during assembly. This preliminary preparation maintains working channel stability while significantly reducing assembly difficulty and time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediary components such as regulation clamps that act as mediators between the cable and catheter, and Z-type insertion structures that mediate cable routing. These intermediaries provide stable connection points and controlled routing paths, preventing direct contact and potential twisting between cables and the working channel, thereby maintaining channel stability while simplifying the assembly process.
3Measurement precision
If traditional cable routing is used, then the structure is simple, but the lens turning accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The Z-type cable insertion structure employs asymmetric routing geometry with specific bend radii and angles optimized for cable tension distribution. The regulation clamps feature asymmetric clamping surfaces and non-uniform spacing of clamping positions along the catheter. This asymmetric design creates optimal mechanical leverage and tension control for precise lens turning, while the standardized asymmetric pattern keeps the overall structure manageable rather than overly complex.
4Ease of operation
If traditional tension control is used, then the device is simple, but the insertion smoothness deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The tension control system is designed to be dynamically adjustable through the regulation clamps, which can be positioned at different locations along the catheter to optimize tension distribution for specific insertion scenarios. The Z-type routing provides dynamic tension redistribution as the endoscope is inserted or withdrawn. This dynamic adaptability ensures smooth insertion under varying conditions while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure through standardized component design.
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 design improves the agility and accuracy of lens operation, allows for precise angle adjustments, and facilitates smoother insertion and withdrawal of the endoscope, thereby enhancing medical quality by maintaining instrument stability and precision.
Implementation Method 1
The cable is tensioned or released via the lever principle to control the bending of the snake bone mechanism and turn the direction of the lens
Implementation Method 2
The lens steering mechanism of the traditional endoscope includes a rotating wheel inside a handle and an operation rod of the handle connected with the rotating wheel
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides an endoscope, which includes a catheter, a handle, an instrument tube, a linkage unit, a controlling unit, cables, tension units, and a tension adjusting unit. One end of the catheter is provided with a lens, and the other end of the catheter is extended into the handle. One part of the instrument tube is disposed in the handle and is connected with the other end of the catheter. The other part of the instrument tube is exposed outside the handle. The linkage unit is disposed in the handle. The controlling unit is disposed outside the handle and is extended into the handle to be pivotally connected with the linkage unit. One end of the cable is connected to the linkage unit, and the other end thereof is connected to one end periphery of the catheter. One end of the tension unit is connected to the periphery of the cable. The tension adjusting unit is provided with adjusting members and connection members. The connection members are connected to the other end of the tension unit, and the connection members are respectively disposed in one of the adjusting members. The present invention can effectively improve the controlling sensitivity of the endoscope lens and the smoothness of entering and exiting the instruments, thereby improving the medical quality.