Endoscope Steering Wire Fixation Using Pin and Guide
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for fixing the steering wire in endoscopes require precise handling, are time-consuming, and difficult to automate, leading to potential errors in tension adjustment and resistance to aging, especially in disposable endoscopes.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a pin to fixate the steering wire, reducing the need for precise handling, allowing for easier automation, and maintaining tension over the shelf life of the endoscope, using a pin with a snap part and wire guide to secure the wire portion between the first and second wire portions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If the steering wire is fixed using traditional crimping methods, then the wire tension can be adjusted, but the process requires precise handling and is time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
A pin with an integrated wire guide is introduced as an intermediary component to simplify the fixation process. The wire guide channels the steering wire through a predetermined path, eliminating the need for complex crimping operations while maintaining precise wire tension control. This intermediary device bridges the gap between simple fixation and precise tension adjustment.
Solution Approach 2:
The wire guide is pre-formed on the pin with the optimal wire routing path already established. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for time-consuming manual wire manipulation during assembly, as the wire simply needs to be threaded through the pre-configured guide rather than requiring precise manual positioning and crimping.
2Reliability
If the steering wire is fixed using complex crimping methods, then reliable tension maintenance is achieved, but the process is difficult to automate
Solution Approach 1:
The wire guide acts as a mechanical intermediary that enforces correct wire positioning through its physical structure. This eliminates the need for complex sensor-based control systems or robotic dexterity required for traditional crimping, enabling straightforward automation where the wire simply follows the guide's predetermined path.
Solution Approach 2:
The wire guide structure automatically ensures correct wire routing and tension maintenance through its geometric design. The wire self-aligns within the guide channels, eliminating the need for external automation systems to precisely position or monitor the wire, thereby enabling easy automation while maintaining reliability.
3Manufacturing precision
If traditional fixation methods are used, then wire tension can be controlled, but the process requires significant labor and time
Solution Approach 1:
The wire guide on the pin serves as a time-saving intermediary that pre-establishes the correct wire path. This eliminates multiple manual manipulation steps required in traditional methods, reducing assembly time while the guide's structure ensures proper wire tension control is maintained throughout the simplified process.
Solution Approach 2:
The wire guide is pre-formed with the optimal wire routing geometry before assembly. This preliminary action eliminates time-consuming manual wire positioning and adjustment steps during assembly, allowing workers to simply thread the wire through the guide while maintaining proper tension control.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method for fixation of a wire portion of an endoscope, the method comprising the steps of pulling a third wire portion so as to tension a steering wire and inserting a pin into a pin spacing so that so that a second wire portion is clamped between the pin and at least one wall of the control element, whereby the pin and the second wire portion are fixated to the control element so as to maintain a wire tension between the first and second wire portions. An endoscope comprising a second wire portion connected to the control element by being clamped between a pin and at least one wall of a control element so that the second wire portion is fixated in relation to the control element.