Endoscope Tip Fixation via Groove Nesting to Maintain Diameter
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Solution Overview
Problem
Endoscopes face challenges in fixing tip portions of insertion members to the tip portion body without increasing the diameter of the insertion unit, as existing methods require screw holes that cannot be accommodated when the insertion unit's diameter is reduced.
Innovation Solution
The endoscope design incorporates a protrusion portion on the insertion member and corresponding groove portions on the tip portion body and pressing member, allowing for secure fixation without increasing the diameter, along with optional screw holes for detachable fixation and easy repair.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If screw holes are formed in the tip portion body to fix insertion members, then the fixation reliability is improved, but the outer diameter of the tip portion body increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention transitions from a two-dimensional surface fixation problem to a three-dimensional solution by creating groove portions that extend axially into the tip portion body. The groove portions have bottom surfaces at a predetermined distance from the tip surface, allowing screws to engage with the inner peripheral surfaces of the groove portions rather than requiring holes through the entire thickness. This dimensional approach maintains the outer diameter while providing sufficient engagement depth for reliable fixation.
Solution Approach 2:
The groove portions are formed as recesses within the tip portion body, nesting the screw engagement structure inside the existing outer diameter envelope. The screws are embedded within the groove portions, which are themselves part of the tip portion body structure, allowing the fixation mechanism to be contained within the original outer diameter without protruding outward.
2Ease of operation
If the diameter of the insertion unit is reduced to improve patient comfort and accessibility, then the ease of operation is improved, but the ability to form screw holes for fixation is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The groove portions are formed with specific local characteristics: they extend axially to a predetermined depth with bottom surfaces positioned to provide optimal screw engagement. The groove portions are strategically positioned on the tip surface at specific intervals, creating localized fixation zones that provide sufficient mechanical engagement without requiring the overall diameter to be increased. This localized approach allows small-diameter insertion units to achieve reliable fixation.
3Strength
If multiple screw holes are formed to ensure adequate fixation, then the strength of fixation is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The groove portions serve multiple functions: they provide mechanical engagement surfaces for screws, define the positioning of insertion members on the tip surface, and maintain the structural integrity of the tip portion body. The same groove structures that enable fixation also serve as mounting features for the insertion members, eliminating the need for separate hole-forming operations and reducing overall structural complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
According to an aspect of the invention, the circumferential position of a protrusion portion of a light guide member is aligned with the position of a second groove portion of a pressing member and a tip portion of the light guide member is inserted into an insertion hole. Next, the light guide member is rotated to align the circumferential position of the protrusion portion of the light guide member with the position of a first groove portion of a mounting hole, and the tip portion of the light guide member is mounted in the mounting hole of a tip portion body. After that, a screw member is inserted into a through hole of the pressing member, is threadedly inserted into a screw hole of the tip portion body, and fixes the pressing member to a base end face of the tip portion body.