Endoscope Wire Fixing Structure with Intersecting Holes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing endoscope designs face challenges in securely fixing towing wires to pulleys, leading to potential slackening and instability in the bending portion, which affects the precision and reliability of the endoscope's bending operation.
Innovation Solution
A wire fixing structure featuring a pulley-mounted wire fixing member with intersecting hole portions and a fastening mechanism that includes a bolt to securely press and fix the wire, preventing slackening by generating a strong friction force.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a simple wire insertion method is used in the pulley, then the device complexity is reduced, but the wire fixing reliability deteriorates leading to potential slackening
Solution Approach 1:
The wire fixing member is divided into multiple functional components: a first hole portion for wire passage, a second hole portion for fastener insertion, and a pressing surface for friction-based fixation. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently while maintaining overall structural simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The wire fixing member acts as an intermediary component between the wire and the pulley. It provides a dedicated interface that secures the wire through the pressing member while allowing the pulley to rotate freely, thus mediating between the need for secure fixation and the need for rotational movement
2Reliability
If a secure wire fixing mechanism is implemented, then the bending operation reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pressing member is designed to be inserted through the second hole portion and automatically press the wire against the pressing surface. The structure utilizes the inherent properties of the components (friction between wire and pressing surface) to achieve self-fixation without requiring additional active control mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The design changes the fixation mechanism from mechanical interlocking to friction-based pressing. By adjusting the pressing force parameter (through the pressing member's geometry and material properties), the system achieves reliable wire fixation while maintaining structural simplicity
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
The solution stably fixes the towing wire to the pulley, minimizing slackening and enhancing the fixing strength, ensuring reliable and precise bending operations of the endoscope's bending portion.
Implementation Method 1
fixing the wire disposed in the first hole portion by pressing... generates a strong friction force
Data Source
AI summary
A wire fixing structure includes: a first hole portion through which a wire passes; and a second hole portion which is formed in a direction orthogonal to the first hole portion and communicates with the first hole portion. The wire includes: a first portion which is inserted into and is disposed in the first hole portion; a second portion which is extended from the first hole portion and wound around the outer peripheral portion of a wire fixing member; and a third portion which is inserted into and is disposed in the first hole portion again after the second portion is wound around the outer peripheral portion. The fastening member is inserted into the second hole portion and fixes the first portion and the third portion by pressing in the first hole portion.