Endoscope Tilt Input Clutch Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing endoscope apparatuses face difficulties in intuitively curving the curved portion for precise operation, especially when requiring simultaneous use with an endoscope treatment instrument, due to complex rotation input mechanisms and lack of intuitive tilt input options.
Innovation Solution
The endoscope apparatus incorporates a tilt input portion in conjunction with a rotation input portion, featuring a clutch mechanism and coil spring, allowing for intuitive curvature of the curved portion through tilting, which reduces unnecessary operation and enhances precision by adjusting the length of operation wire pull, enabling precise movement of the treatment portion relative to the treatment subject.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a rotation input mechanism is used to curve the curved portion, then the endoscope can be operated, but the operation becomes non-intuitive and complex when simultaneous use with treatment instrument is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional rotation input mechanism by introducing a tilt input portion that tilts in the up-down direction. This tilt input is converted into rotational movement of the curved portion through the clutch mechanism and operation wires, making the operation more intuitive while reducing the complexity of the overall control system.
Solution Approach 2:
The input mechanism is segmented into distinct components: a rotation input portion for left-right rotation and a tilt input portion for up-down tilting. Each portion independently controls specific rotational movements of the curved portion, simplifying the operation by separating complex rotational control into manageable, intuitive segments.
2Manufacturing precision
If the operation wire pull length is fixed, then the mechanism is simple, but precise movement of treatment portion relative to treatment subject cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The operation wire mechanism is made dynamic by allowing the effective pull length to be adjusted during operation. The clutch mechanism enables selective engagement and disengagement of operation wires, and the tilt input portion provides variable angular input that translates to variable wire pull lengths, enabling precise positioning without fixed-length constraints.
Solution Approach 2:
The clutch mechanism acts as an intermediary between the tilt input portion and the operation wires. It mediates the transmission of force by selectively engaging or disengaging specific wires based on the tilt direction and magnitude, enabling precise control of the treatment portion's position relative to the treatment subject.
3Ease of operation
If assistant operation is required for treatment instrument, then operation control is simplified, but single-handed operation capability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The operation section is designed with multi-functionality to handle both endoscope curving and treatment instrument manipulation through a single set of inputs. The tilt input portion simultaneously controls the curving of the endoscope's curved portion and the positioning of the treatment instrument, enabling one operator to perform both functions without assistance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the control of the endoscope's curved portion and the treatment instrument into a unified operation system. The tilt input portion and clutch mechanism work together to coordinate the movement of both components, allowing single-handed operation while maintaining simple and intuitive control.
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 allows for precise and intuitive curvature of the endoscope's curved portion, enabling precise movement of the treatment instrument relative to the treatment subject, reducing operator effort and improving operational precision, while allowing single-handed operation of both the endoscope and treatment instrument.
Implementation Method 1
a coil spring, which restores the tilt input portion to an initial position
Implementation Method 2
a clutch mechanism, which transmits or interrupts a driving force
Data Source
AI summary
An operation mechanism includes: a longitudinal member having a channel; a subject operation section provided at a distal end side of the member; an operation section provided at a proximal end side of the member; a first transmission means connected to the subject operation section at a distal end side thereof and formed to penetrate the operation section transmitting a first driving force; a first input portion provided in the operation section and connected to a proximal end side of the first transmission means to operate the subject operation section; a second input portion provided closer to the subject operation section side of the operation section than the first input portion and operated by a medical instrument inserted through the channel; and second transmission means connected to the first input portion and the second input portion and transmits a second driving force.