Endoscopic Forceps Plate Structure for Low-Cost Durable Rotation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Endoscopic treatment tools, such as biopsy forceps, are typically disposable and require a balance between low cost and high performance, with existing designs not adequately addressing this need.
Innovation Solution
The endoscopic treatment device includes a sheath, a rotation shaft, forceps pieces with specific openings and a wire connection, and a support mechanism that allows for rotatable movement and enhanced durability, featuring a unique opening configuration and material composition to maintain functionality and reduce damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If endoscopic treatment tools are designed as disposable products, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but performance and durability are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The forceps piece is segmented into multiple functional regions: a first opening for rotation shaft passage, a second opening for wire connection, and a bent region serving as a hinge. This segmentation allows each region to be optimized independently for its specific function while maintaining overall cost-effectiveness and durability
Solution Approach 2:
The forceps piece utilizes composite structural design combining rigid regions (for structural integrity), flexible bent regions (for articulation), and precisely engineered opening configurations. This composite approach enables a single-component design that achieves both cost reduction and enhanced performance/durability
2Device complexity
If the forceps piece uses a single plate structure, then device complexity is reduced, but functional performance is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The single plate structure is designed as a multi-functional component: it provides structural support, enables rotation through the first opening, allows wire attachment via the second opening, and creates the bent hinge region. This universal design achieves high functional performance while maintaining structural simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The plate structure incorporates a bent region that introduces dimensional complexity through folding/articulation rather than adding multiple separate components. This dimensional change enables complex motion (rotation and articulation) within a simple single-plate architecture
3Ease of operation
If the first opening has a larger diameter, then the rotation shaft passes more easily, but the structural integrity of the forceps piece is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The plate structure employs local quality differentiation: the region around the first opening is designed with appropriate thickness and reinforcement to maintain structural integrity while accommodating the rotation shaft passage. The opening diameter is optimized locally to balance shaft passage ease with overall plate strength
Data Source
AI summary
An endoscope treatment instrument having a sheath, a rotation axis extending in a width direction orthogonal to a longitudinal direction of the sheath, a plate formed with a first opening through which the rotation axis passes and a second opening having a width different from the width of the first opening, a forceps piece rotatably supported about the first opening and the rotation axis passing through the second opening, and a wire connected to a proximal end portion of the plate.