Endoscope Wire Pulling Member Rotation Restriction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional endoscopes face the issue of the wire pulling member rotating prematurely during shipment or storage, which can lead to improper alignment and increased operational force requirements.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating a rotational movement restricting member that engages with the wire pulling member when the angle knob is detached, preventing rotational movement and allowing for precise alignment and reduced operational force during use.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the angle knob is detachably provided to allow selection of different operating forces, then the adaptability is improved, but the wire pulling member may rotate prematurely during shipment or storage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveselection of angle knobs with different outer diametersVSAvoidpremature rotation of wire pulling member

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The rotational movement restricting member is engaged with the wire pulling member before use to prevent premature rotation during shipment and storage. This preliminary protective action ensures the wire pulling member remains in its initial position until the angle knob is intentionally attached for use.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The rotational movement restricting member acts as an intermediary component between the wire pulling member and the angle knob. It temporarily constrains the wire pulling member during storage and is displaced when the angle knob is properly attached, allowing controlled rotation only when intended.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If the wire pulling member is allowed to rotate freely for operation, then the ease of operation is improved, but the alignment precision deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverotational movement for bendingVSAvoidalignment of wire pulling member

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The rotational movement restricting member pre-aligns the wire pulling member to a predetermined rotational position before use. This preliminary alignment ensures precise positioning is maintained during storage and is only released when the angle knob is intentionally attached for operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The rotational movement restricting member serves as a positioning intermediary that guides the wire pulling member to the correct rotational alignment. When the angle knob is attached, it displaces the restricting member, allowing the wire pulling member to rotate to its operational position with precise control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS20230393382A1endoscope

Publication Date: 2023.12.07 FUJIFILM CORP

AI summary

An endoscope includes first and second angle knobs that are connected to first and second wire pulling members which change a direction of a distal end of an insertion part, in which a rotational movement restricting member is attached instead of the first and second angle knobs before use. The rotational movement restricting member includes a first rotational movement restricting portion that is engaged with the first wire pulling member to restrict a rotational movement of the first wire pulling member and a second rotational movement restricting portion that is engaged with the second wire pulling member to restrict a rotational movement of the second wire pulling member.