Endoscope Self-Locking Toggle Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Medical professionals using endoscopes face the challenge of not being able to observe the internal body structure while controlling the lens position, as they need to maintain hand control over the toggle handle.
Innovation Solution
A self-locking device for endoscopes, comprising a housing, toggle assembly with a toggle support, elastic support, and toggle handle, where the toggle lever is rotatable to push a friction piece, allowing the elastic support to move closer or away from the housing, enabling self-locking of the toggle handle.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the toggle handle is made movable along the sleeving direction for lens position control, then the ease of operation is improved, but the stability of the object's composition deteriorates because the handle cannot be locked in place
Solution Approach 1:
The toggle handle transitions from a static fixed position to a dynamic system that can both move freely along the sleeving direction for operation and lock stably in place when needed. The friction piece creates a dynamic locking mechanism that engages when the handle is in the desired position, allowing it to remain stable during observation while maintaining ease of operation when the toggle lever is actuated.
2Stability of the object's composition
If a locking mechanism is added to the toggle handle, then the stability of the object's composition is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is designed to be self-actuating through the toggle lever's movement. When the toggle lever is pushed, it automatically engages the friction piece with the toggle handle, creating a self-locking effect without requiring external locking actions or additional complex control systems. The elastic support provides the necessary force to maintain the locked position automatically.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism utilizes changes in friction parameters. The friction piece is positioned such that normal operation allows free movement, but when the toggle lever is actuated, the mechanical interaction changes the friction state to create locking. The elastic support's force parameter changes dynamically to maintain engagement or disengagement of the locking mechanism.
3Reliability
If the friction piece is added to create self-locking, then the reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The friction piece creates a self-locking mechanism that automatically engages when the toggle lever is in the appropriate position. The elastic support provides continuous force to maintain the locked state, ensuring reliable locking without requiring additional actuators or control systems. The mechanism self-regulates based on the toggle lever's position.
Solution Approach 2:
The friction piece acts as an intermediary element between the toggle lever and the toggle handle. It translates the mechanical movement of the toggle lever into a locking action on the handle, providing reliable force transmission and maintaining the locked position through friction engagement with the elastic support.
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 solution allows for the toggle handle to be locked in place, enabling medical professionals to observe the internal body structure without losing control, featuring a simple structure, low production costs, and high work efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic support, wherein a shaft of the toggle support passes through the housing and is connected to the elastic support on the other side
Implementation Method 2
an inner side of the toggle support is provided with a toggle lever and a friction piece; when being stressed, the toggle lever is rotatable around the first pin, so as to push the friction piece to move
Data Source
AI summary
A self-locking device of an endoscope is provided. The endoscope includes a housing and a toggle assembly. The toggle assembly includes a toggle support, an elastic support and a toggle handle. The toggle handle is sleeved on the toggle support. An inner side of the toggle support is provided with a toggle lever and a friction piece. One end of the toggle lever is hinged to the toggle handle, and the other end of the toggle lever is not connected to the friction piece. The toggle lever has an L-shaped cross section, with a middle bend fixed to the toggle support. The toggle lever is hinged to the toggle support through a first pin. When being stressed, the toggle lever is rotatable around the first pin, so as to push the friction piece to move.