Endoscope Curving Mechanism with Wire Crossing and Movement Regulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The high initial cost of endoscopes due to the need for distinct parts for different user-preferred curving mechanisms and the wear and interference issues with wire crossing portions in existing endoscopes.
Innovation Solution
An endoscope design that includes a curving portion capable of curving in two directions, a curving operation lever that can be rotated in two different directions to set the curving direction, a wire crossing portion within the operation portion, and a movement regulating portion to prevent wire interference, allowing for easy preparation of two types of setting conditions without shared parts and reducing wire wear and interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If two different types of endoscope with different curving mechanism settings are prepared to accommodate user preferences, then user preference adaptability is improved, but the number of parts and initial cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The endoscope is designed with a universal curving mechanism that can accommodate both first and second set conditions through a single configuration. The curving operation lever, pivot shaft, and operation wires are arranged to enable the curving portion to curve in either direction based on the rotation direction of the lever, eliminating the need for separate endoscopes for different user preferences.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a wire crossing portion is provided to enable opposite curving direction, then curving direction flexibility is improved, but wire wear increases due to contact friction
Solution Approach 1:
A wire guide is introduced as an intermediary component between the operation wires and the wire crossing portion. The wire guide directs the operation wires around the pivot shaft, allowing the wires to cross without direct contact. This mediator structure enables the wires to maintain their crossing configuration while preventing friction and wear between the wires themselves.
3Ease of operation
If the wire crossing portion is provided within the operation portion, then curving operation functionality is improved, but interference with internal members of insertion portion may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The wire crossing portion is extracted from the operation portion and repositioned within the insertion portion. Specifically, the wire crossing portion is provided at the distal end of the insertion portion, separating it from the operation portion. This spatial extraction eliminates the interference between the wire crossing portion and the internal members of the insertion portion while maintaining the curving operation functionality.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3A
Figure 3B
AI summary
An endoscope (1) includes a curving direction setting portion (40) which is configured to set the relationship between the rotation direction of the curving operation portion (10) and the curving direction of the curving portion (5) to a first set condition or a second set condition, the first set condition being a condition in which the second operation wire (23b) is pulled by rotating the curving operation portion (10) in the first rotation direction and in which the first operation wire (23a) is pulled by rotating the curving operation portion (10) in the second rotation direction, the second set condition being a condition in which the first operation wire (23a) is pulled by rotating the curving operation portion (10) in the first rotation direction and in which the second operation wire (23b) is pulled by rotating the curving operation portion (10) in the second rotation direction. The curving direction setting portion (40) includes a wire crossing portion (41) in which the first operation wire (23a) and the second operation wire (23b) cross each other in the second set condition. Further, the endoscope (1) includes a movement regulating portion (36I which is configured to regulate the movement of the wire crossing portion (41) from within the operation portion (3) into the insertion portion (2).