Endoscope Operation Portion Wire Path Curvature
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing endoscopes with bending mechanisms face challenges in efficiently changing the bending direction and angle of the bending portion due to limitations in wire pulling mechanisms, which can result in increased resistance and potential kinking of wires, affecting the miniaturization and operational feel of the device.
Innovation Solution
The endoscope incorporates a swinging mechanism and a pulling mechanism with a wire path changing portion that utilizes pulleys and a coil pipe to change the wire path by approximately 90 degrees, along with a stopper to prevent excessive curvature and reduce resistance, allowing for precise control of the bending portion without increasing the device's vertical size.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a wire pulling mechanism is used to change the bending direction and angle, then the bending portion can be controlled, but the resistance increases and wires may kink
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies curvature by designing the wire path to follow a smooth arc through the bent part of the tubular member, preventing sharp angles and kinks in the wire. The bent part with its specific curvature radius ensures the wire is guided smoothly from the longitudinal direction to the side direction, reducing stress concentration and preventing wire damage during bending operations.
2Volume of moving object
If the wire path is changed by approximately 90 degrees using pulleys and coil pipe, then the operation portion can be more compact, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple functions into the tubular member structure. The tubular member simultaneously serves as a structural component of the operation portion, a guide for the wire, and incorporates a bent part that performs the wire path changing function. This integration eliminates the need for separate pulleys or coil pipes, achieving compactness without proportionally increasing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the wire's spatial path by utilizing the bent part that redirects the wire from the longitudinal axis direction to the side direction, effectively using three-dimensional space within the tubular member to achieve 90-degree path change. This allows compact arrangement of components while maintaining efficient wire routing.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the bent part is allowed to move freely, then the wire path can adapt, but excessive curvature may cause kinking
Solution Approach 1:
The stopper is positioned in advance within the tubular member to prevent the bent part from moving beyond a safe curvature limit. This preliminary protective measure ensures that even during extreme bending operations, the wire path curvature remains within safe limits, preventing kinking and maintaining wire integrity while still allowing sufficient flexibility for normal operations.
Data Source
AI summary
An endoscope includes: a plurality of wires each having a distal end connected to a bending portion of an insertion portion and a proximal end extending into an operation portion; one or more tubular members provided on the operation portion and including a first part extending in a direction of a longitudinal axis of the insertion portion, a second part provided on a proximal end side of the first part and extending in a side direction to the longitudinal axis, and a bent part connecting the first part and the second part, any one of the plurality of wires being inserted into the one or more tubular members, the first part and the second part being fixed to the operation portion; and a stopper fixed in the operation portion and arranged to prevent movement of the bent part by abutting on an inside of bending of the bent part.