Endoscope Track Ball Control for Curving and Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current endoscopes with flexing insertion portions lack efficient operability, particularly in bending operations and function allocation, requiring complex manual adjustments and relying on multiple switches that complicate user interaction.
Innovation Solution
An endoscope design featuring a freely curvable insertion portion, a grip portion with integrated instruction operation means, including a track ball for angle control and switch functions, allowing for simplified operation and flexible function allocation through a user-friendly interface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple scope switches are provided for different functions, then function allocation capability is improved, but device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The track ball is designed to perform multiple functions: it controls curving portion angles in normal mode and switches scope switch functions in instruction input mode. This single component replaces what would traditionally require multiple separate switches, reducing device complexity while maintaining versatile function allocation capability
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically switches between normal operation mode and instruction input mode based on operator input. When the track ball is operated in a specific manner (e.g., pushed against a specific region), the system changes the function allocation of scope switches, allowing the same hardware to adapt to different operational needs without adding physical complexity
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple scope switches are provided for different functions, then function allocation capability is improved, but ease of operation worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The track ball serves as a universal control device that can both control curving and switch functions, eliminating the need for operators to manage multiple separate switches. This consolidation simplifies the operational interface while maintaining the ability to allocate multiple functions through intuitive track ball interactions
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges the curving control function and the scope switch function into a single track ball interface. By combining these operations, the system reduces the number of separate controls the operator must learn and manipulate, thereby improving ease of operation while preserving full function allocation capability
3Adaptability or versatility
If the curving portion is made freely curvable, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The track ball is designed to control multiple curving degrees of freedom (first and second curving directions) through a single interface. This universal control mechanism simplifies the operation of a freely curvable insertion portion, allowing the operator to navigate complex body cavities without managing multiple separate controls for each curving axis
Data Source
AI summary
An endoscope has an insertion portion provided with a freely curvable curving portion; a grip portion provided at a base end side of the insertion portion and grasped by an operator. There provided at the grip portion and in its periphery is an instructing operation element with a function of implementing a curve instructing operation of the curving portion and a function of implementing the other instructing operation different from the above described curve instructing operation.