Endoscope Wire Lubrication Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing endoscopes face high operation force requirements and risk of bending operation wire failure due to frictional resistance and load-induced cutting, particularly when using lubricating coatings that can peel off and interfere with wire movement within narrow spaces.
Innovation Solution
A wire apparatus with a sheath where a binder-containing coating is applied only to the exposed range of the wire, and a binder-free powder lubricant is applied to the range inside the sheath, reducing friction and preventing wire cutting by distributing lubricant effectively within the endoscope's components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If lubricating coating is applied to the bending operation wire, then the amount of operation force is reduced, but the coating may peel off and interfere with wire movement in narrow spaces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the wire into two distinct segments: one portion with lubricating coating and another portion without coating. The coated portion reduces friction during bending operation, while the uncoated portion prevents interference in narrow spaces where coating might peel off and cause problems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies lubricating coating only to specific local areas of the bending operation wire rather than the entire wire. This localized coating approach provides lubrication where needed (during bending operation) while avoiding coating in areas where it would cause interference (narrow spaces within the endoscope).
2Ease of operation
If powder solid lubricant is adhered to the bending operation wire, then friction is reduced, but the powder easily falls off during wire sliding
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a binder as an intermediary substance to attach the powder solid lubricant to the bending operation wire. The binder holds the powder particles in place during wire sliding, preventing them from falling off while still allowing the lubricant to function in reducing friction.
3Ease of operation
If coating is applied to the entire wire, then lubrication is maximized, but the wire diameter increases and interferes with movement in narrow spaces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the wire coating application so that only certain portions of the wire receive lubricating coating. This segmentation allows the wire to maintain appropriate diameter for movement in narrow spaces while still providing lubrication where it is most beneficial for reducing operation force.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different properties to different parts of the wire: lubricating coating is applied locally to areas where friction reduction is most needed, while other areas remain uncoated to maintain suitable wire dimensions for navigating through the narrow spaces of the endoscope structure.
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
This configuration reduces the operation force needed for bending and prevents bending operation wire failure by minimizing friction and load-induced damage, ensuring smooth wire movement and longevity.
Implementation Method 1
a powder lubricant which does not include the binder component is applied to at least a range of the wire, the range being inserted in the sheath
Data Source
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AI summary
A wire apparatus includes a sheath 45 arranged in an endoscope 1, a wire 22 inserted in the sheath 45 and configured to move in an axial direction or rotated in the sheath 45, and the wire 22 is configured such that processing of coating including a binder component is performed only to a range of the wire, the range being exposed from the sheath 45 and a powder lubricant which does not include the binder component is applied to at least a range of the wire, the range being inserted in the sheath 45.