Endoscope Torque Control Member Friction Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing endoscopes face challenges in maintaining water-tightness and controlling resistive torque during the rotation of the insertion unit relative to the operation unit, as the second O-ring provides both sealing and frictional resistance, which can be inadequate in ensuring precise water-tightness and appropriate torque control.
Innovation Solution
An endoscope design featuring a water-tight sealing member and a torque control member positioned separately, where the torque control member applies frictional resistance to control the resistive torque of the insertion unit during rotation, ensuring secure water-tightness and adjustable torque without influencing each other's functions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single O-ring is used for both sealing and frictional resistance, then device complexity is reduced, but water-tightness reliability and torque control precision deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the single sealing member into two separate components: a first sealing member (O-ring) dedicated to ensuring water-tightness between the operation unit and insertion unit, and a second sealing member (frictional resistance member) dedicated to controlling torque during rotation. This segmentation allows each component to optimize its specific function, with the first sealing member providing reliable sealing without being compromised by rotational friction, while the second sealing member provides controlled frictional resistance without compromising sealing integrity.
2Ease of manufacture
If a single O-ring provides both sealing and frictional resistance, then manufacturing is simplified, but torque control precision and water-tightness deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent separates the sealing function and frictional resistance function into distinct members, allowing each to be manufactured and adjusted independently. The first sealing member can be manufactured with precise dimensional tolerances for optimal sealing, while the second sealing member can be manufactured with surface properties and dimensions optimized for controlling frictional resistance and torque, thereby achieving high precision in both functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different material properties and surface characteristics to different parts of the connection structure. The first sealing member uses materials and surface treatments optimized for sealing, while the second sealing member uses materials and surface treatments optimized for generating controlled frictional resistance, allowing each component to have local quality tailored to its specific function.
3Device complexity
If the sealing member also provides frictional resistance, then the structure is simpler, but operational stability during rotation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the sealing and frictional resistance functions into separate members, allowing the first sealing member to maintain stable sealing performance throughout operation without being affected by rotational forces, while the second sealing member provides consistent frictional resistance for stable torque control during rotation, thereby achieving operational stability in both sealing and torque control.
4Ease of operation
If the second O-ring controls torque through frictional resistance, then torque control is achieved, but water-tightness reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the functionality into two separate sealing members: the first sealing member is dedicated exclusively to maintaining water-tightness between the operation unit and insertion unit, while the second sealing member is dedicated to providing frictional resistance for torque control during rotation. This segmentation ensures that the first sealing member can maintain reliable water-tightness without being compromised by the frictional resistance required for torque 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 design effectively maintains water-tightness while allowing for controlled torque adjustment, enhancing the usability and operational stability of the endoscope by providing a distinct position for the torque control member that prevents free rotation and sets a suitable torque value for easy manipulation.
Implementation Method 1
controls resistive torque of the insertion unit during rotation of the insertion unit by applying frictional resistance of a direction about the axis to the insertion unit when the insertion unit rotates in relation to the operation unit
Data Source
AI summary
An endoscope includes an insertion unit, an operation unit, an operation-unit engagement part, an insertion-unit engagement part, a water-tight sealing member, and a torque control member. The torque control member is provided between the operation-unit engagement part and the insertion-unit engagement part in radial directions of the insertion unit, so as to make tight contact with the operation-unit engagement part and the insertion-unit engagement part, and controls resistive torque of the insertion unit during rotation of the insertion unit by applying frictional resistance of a direction about the axis to the insertion unit when the insertion unit rotates in relation to the operation unit.