Detachable Endoscope Wire Buffer for Coupling Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional detachable endoscopes face challenges with length errors due to curved deformation portions in the insertion part, leading to misalignment of connection structures and increased complexity in coupling and operation, which can result in connection failures and reduced functionality.
Innovation Solution
A detachable endoscope with a wire buffer function that includes a first detachable module with rack gears and a second detachable module with connection shafts, utilizing buffer parts to align and lock connecting ports at constant locations, allowing for smooth coupling and operation of the insertion part regardless of curved deformation errors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the insertion part is separated from the operation part and the middle portion is curved or rolled for storage, then the insertion part can be stored conveniently, but length errors occur in the wires causing misalignment of connection structures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a buffer part with a buffer hole that allows wires to move freely when curved deformation occurs. This beforehand cushioning mechanism compensates for length errors caused by curving the insertion part during storage, preventing misalignment of connection structures when the endoscope is reassembled
Solution Approach 2:
The buffer part acts as an intermediary element between the wires and the rigid connection structures. It absorbs the dimensional changes caused by curving through the movable buffer body, mediating between the flexible insertion part and the precise connection interfaces
2Manufacturing precision
If the insertion part is kept linear to maintain alignment of connection structures, then coupling accuracy is improved, but the preparation work and conditions for coupling become cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The buffer part is pre-configured with sufficient buffer hole length to accommodate the maximum expected curving deformation. This allows the insertion part to be stored in curved or rolled states without requiring precise linear alignment during coupling, simplifying the preparation process while maintaining coupling accuracy
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple wires are arranged parallel in the insertion part, then the operation functionality is improved, but length errors cause the connection structures to be located at different positions
Solution Approach 1:
The buffer part provides a common reference frame for all parallel wires through the shared buffer hole. When curving occurs, all wires can move independently within the buffer hole, compensating for their individual length errors and maintaining stable relative positions of their connection structures
Data Source
AI summary
A detachable endoscope having a buffer function includes: an operation part for operating the front end of an insertion part having an illuminating photographing part to be bent and a detachable unit for detachably coupling the insertion part and the operation part, wherein the detachable unit includes: a first detachable module connected to the respective other ends of first, second, third, and fourth operation wires having the respective one ends connected to the front end inside the insertion part and provided on the rear end of the insertion part, and a second detachable module connected to first, second, third, and fourth connection wires of a direction conversion part for converting a rotational motion into a linear motion in the operation part and provided on the front end of the operation part.