Endoscope Valve Tensioning for Removable Secure Retention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing endoscope designs require time and resources to separate auxiliary components, such as valves, from the housing due to permanent adhesive bonds, making removals resource-intensive and destructive.
Innovation Solution
A tensioning device with a resilient body and orthogonal prongs, featuring a compressive arcuate portion, is used to removably secure the valve to the endoscope housing, allowing for non-destructive assembly and disassembly by engaging grooves and generating a responsive force for secure retention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If adhesive bonding is used to permanently affix the valve to the housing, then the connection strength is improved, but the ease of disassembly deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The retaining device is segmented into a head portion and a body portion, allowing the body to be inserted through the valve into the housing while the head remains accessible for tool engagement. This segmentation enables the connection to be strong during operation but easily disconnected when needed, resolving the contradiction between connection strength and ease of disassembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The retaining device acts as an intermediary mechanical fastener between the valve and housing, replacing the permanent adhesive bond. It provides the necessary connection strength during use while allowing non-destructive removal by engaging the head with a tool, thus enabling both strong connection and easy disassembly.
2Reliability
If permanent adhesive bonds are used to affix components, then the reliability of the connection is improved, but the loss of time for separation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The retaining device transitions from a static permanent bond to a dynamic removable connection. During operation, the body is retained within the housing providing reliable connection, but when separation is needed, the head can be engaged with a tool to quickly remove the device, significantly reducing separation time while maintaining connection reliability during use.
Solution Approach 2:
The retaining device is designed with a head portion that protrudes and is accessible from the exterior, allowing preliminary engagement with a removal tool. This preliminary configuration enables quick disassembly without requiring time-consuming adhesive breaking procedures, thus reducing separation time while maintaining reliable connection during operation.
3Stability of the object's composition
If adhesive bonds are used to permanently affix the valve, then the stability of the assembly is improved, but the ease of repair deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The retaining device is segmented into a head portion and a body portion, allowing the body to be inserted through the valve into the housing while the head remains accessible for tool engagement. This segmentation enables the connection to be strong during operation but easily disconnected when needed, resolving the contradiction between connection strength and ease of disassembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The retaining device acts as an intermediary mechanical fastener between the valve and housing, replacing the permanent adhesive bond. It provides the necessary connection strength during use while allowing non-destructive removal by engaging the head with a tool, thus enabling both strong connection and easy disassembly.
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
Enables efficient and non-destructive assembly and disassembly of endoscope components, reducing the time and resource requirements for maintenance and upgrades by providing a secure yet removable connection.
Implementation Method 1
The prong includes a compressive portion extending along a length of the prong so as to generate a responsive force to a compression
Data Source
AI summary
An endoscope with a removable valve includes a tensioning device. The tensioning device includes a resilient body having a base and at least one prong extending generally orthogonal to the base. The base is a planar member, and the at least one prong has a compressive portion extending along a length of the at least one prong so as to generate a responsive force to a compression.