Endoscope Operation Section Wire Routing for Stable Bending
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional endoscopes with a joystick-type bending operation lever and three wire members can experience unstable bending motions if the tilting operation exceeds a predetermined range, leading to unintended bending directions.
Innovation Solution
The insertion device incorporates a bending operation mechanism with a joystick-type bending operation lever and three wire members, where the proximal ends of the wires are fixed at different positions inside the operation section, and guided by separate wire guides to maintain tension and change pulling directions, ensuring stable bending within a predetermined tilting range.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a joystick-type bending operation lever with three wire members is used to achieve bending motion in any direction, then the device complexity is reduced, but the bending motion becomes unstable when the tilting operation exceeds a predetermined range
Solution Approach 1:
The bending operation mechanism is segmented into distinct functional zones: a first region where the wire member is pulled by lever tilting, and a second region where the wire member is prevented from being pulled. This segmentation allows the mechanism to maintain simplicity while ensuring reliable bending motion within the predetermined range by clearly defining operational boundaries for each wire member.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the operation section are assigned different functional properties. The first region is designed to transmit pulling forces to specific wire members for intended bending directions, while the second region is designed to block force transmission to prevent unintended bending. This local differentiation ensures that each area of the mechanism performs its specific function reliably.
2Force
If wire members are disposed to extend from proximal end to distal end through the insertion section, then the bending operation can be transmitted effectively, but the diameter of the insertion section increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple functional elements are merged into integrated structures. The operation members are combined with the insertion section in a compact arrangement, and the wire members are routed through shared pathways and guiding structures that minimize space requirements. This merging allows effective force transmission while maintaining a small insertion section diameter.
Solution Approach 2:
The wire members are nested within the insertion section along with other operational components. The guiding structures and support elements are arranged concentrically or in nested configurations, allowing the wire members to extend from proximal to distal ends without significantly increasing the overall diameter of the insertion section.
Data Source
AI summary
An operation section for use with an endoscope comprises a shaft, a wire fixing surface connected to the shaft, a first to a third wires having a fixing part attached to the wire fixing surface, and a first wire guide configured to guide the first wire, a second wire guide configured to guide the second wire, and a third wire guide configured to guide the third wire. The first wire includes a first portion between the fixing part of the first wire and the first wire guide, and the second wire includes a second portion between the fixing part of the second wire and the second wire guide. In a view from a neutral axis of the shaft, the first and second portions cross.