Endoscope Bending Mechanism With Tilted Pulley Layout
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing endoscope bending operation mechanisms face challenges in achieving size reduction while maintaining efficient and precise control over the bending portion, particularly in managing the pulling forces and interference of components within the operation portion.
Innovation Solution
The endoscope incorporates a bending operation mechanism with a tiltable operation lever connected to a wire pulling member with tiltable arms, pulleys that rotate with the pulling wires, and a button connection member disposed between adjacent arms, where pulleys are positioned to minimize interference and reduce size by tilting their outer peripheral portions relative to the axis center.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the operation portion is designed with multiple pulleys and wire pulling members for precise bending control, then the bending control precision is improved, but the device size and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple pulleys (first and second pulleys) and wire pulling members into a single integrated operation portion structure. The pulleys are arranged to share common mounting points and structural support, merging what could be separate assemblies into one unified mechanism that achieves precise bending control without proportional increases in overall complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent arranges pulleys and wire pulling members in a three-dimensional configuration within the operation portion. By utilizing spatial arrangement in multiple dimensions rather than simple linear placement, the design achieves precise control functionality while maintaining a compact form factor and managing complexity through efficient use of available space
2Ease of operation
If the operation portion size is reduced for easier handling, then the ease of operation is improved, but the space for component arrangement becomes limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a nested arrangement where wire pulling members are routed through and around pulleys in a compact sequence. The pulling members pass through the structure in an organized manner that allows multiple components to occupy overlapping or adjacent spaces efficiently, maximizing the use of available volume within the reduced operation portion size
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs the wire pulling members and pulleys to work together in a dynamic configuration where the pulling members can move and flex as needed for operation. This dynamic arrangement allows the components to adapt their positions during use, enabling precise control functionality within a smaller static footprint that is easier to handle
3Adaptability or versatility
If more pulling wires are used to achieve multi-directional bending, then the adaptability is improved, but the interference between components increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs asymmetric arrangement of pulleys and wire pulling members to optimize the routing paths for each wire. The first and second pulleys are positioned at different locations and orientations, creating non-uniform spacing and routing paths that prevent the pulling wires from crossing or interfering with each other, enabling independent control of multiple bending directions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the bending control function into separate wire pulling members, each responsible for a specific bending direction or degree. By segmenting the control mechanism into distinct wire-pulley pairs, the system achieves multi-directional adaptability while minimizing interference, as each segmented component operates independently with its own dedicated path
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 a compact operation portion design with reduced pulling loss and efficient bending control, minimizing the need for excessive force and preventing interference, thus enhancing operational ease and precision.
Implementation Method 1
at least two pulleys including outer peripheral portions around which the pulling wires extended from the at least two arms are wound, respectively, the at least two pulleys being rotatable about predetermined rotation axes along with movement of the pulling wires
Data Source
AI summary
A bending operation mechanism includes an operation lever, a wire pulling member, a pulling wire, a cylinder, and a pulley, and the pulley is disposed with a predetermined rotation shaft tilted so that an extended line of the predetermined rotation shaft intersects with the cylinder.