Endoscope Wire-Slider Coupling for Easier Attachment and Cleaning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing endoscopes face complications in the attachment and detachment of the proximal end of the wire to the slider due to their configuration, which results in complex operations and inefficient cleaning processes due to the adherence of body fluids to the distal end member and guide tube.
Innovation Solution
The endoscope design includes a slider that can move in a direction inclined relative to the longitudinal axis, featuring an engaging member with a spherical body and a slit-shaped sandwiching part, along with a locking mechanism, allowing for easy attachment and detachment of the wire by simplifying the engagement process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If a conventional endoscope with a long flexible tube is used to observe the entire digestive tract, then the observation range is improved, but the tube diameter must be increased which causes discomfort to the patient
Solution Approach 1:
The endoscope is divided into multiple sections with multiple light sources distributed along the tube. Each section has its own light source and imaging unit, allowing the tube diameter to remain small while achieving full digestive tract observation through sequential imaging at different locations
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a single continuous imaging approach to a multi-point distributed imaging approach. Multiple imaging units capture images at different positions along the digestive tract simultaneously or sequentially, enabling complete observation without increasing tube diameter
2Illumination intensity
If multiple light sources are arranged in a conventional endoscope, then the illumination is improved, but the structure becomes complex and the tube diameter increases
Solution Approach 1:
The light source and imaging unit are merged into integrated assemblies positioned at multiple locations along the endoscope tube. Each assembly combines illumination and imaging functions, reducing overall structural complexity compared to separate systems while maintaining effective illumination
Solution Approach 2:
Each light source assembly serves multiple functions: illuminating the digestive tract, enabling image capture at its location, and contributing to the overall observation system. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components
3Area of stationary object
If a long endoscope tube is used to reach distant parts of the digestive tract, then the observation coverage is improved, but image brightness decreases due to light attenuation
Solution Approach 1:
The observation task is segmented into multiple local imaging tasks at different positions along the digestive tract. Each light source and imaging unit captures images at its specific location with sufficient brightness, and the central processing unit synthesizes these into a complete view of the entire tract
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 design facilitates straightforward attachment and detachment of the wire, enhancing cleaning efficiency by reducing the complexity of the operation and improving the cleaning process of the endoscope components.
Implementation Method 1
a light source, and an imaging unit... the light source and the imaging unit are arranged in correspondence with one another in the longitudinal direction of the axis
Data Source
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AI summary
Provided is an endoscope that can easily perform the attachment and detachment work of a proximal end side of a wire with respect to a slider. An endoscope includes a base member (98) that forms a slider housing space (150) that is independent of an internal space of an operating part (22), an opening part (94) that is provided at a proximal end of a wire channel (62) and delivers the proximal end side of the wire (60) to a slider housing space (150), a slider (96) that is disposed in the slider housing space (150) and moves in a longitudinal direction of the operating part (22) depending on the operation of an erection operating lever (20) so as to be movable forward and backward, an engaged part (152) that is provided in the slider (96) and recessed toward a lateral side orthogonal to a movement direction of the slider (96), and an engaging member (154) that is provided at the proximal end of the wire (60) and is pushed into and engageable with the engaged part (152) from the lateral side.