Endoscopic Instrument Intermediate Element Flexion Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Endoscopic instruments face challenges in precise control and mechanical feedback, especially in electrical models, which can be cumbersome and lack intuitive control, and mechanical models require significant force and may suffer from restoring forces, leading to imprecise deflection.
Innovation Solution
An endoscopic instrument design featuring an intermediate element with distinct bending resistances and a measurement element for flexion detection, allowing motor-assisted control with mechanical feedback, and an overload protection mechanism to prevent damage, enabling precise and intuitive deflection control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If electrical actuation is used to assist control, then control precision is improved, but mechanical feedback is lost making control less intuitive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines electrical actuation assistance with mechanical feedback transmission through the intermediate element. The intermediate element mechanically connects the control element to the adjustment element while measurement elements detect its position, merging electrical precision with mechanical intuitiveness in a single integrated system.
Solution Approach 2:
Measurement elements are integrated into the intermediate element to detect its position and provide feedback signals. This feedback mechanism enables precise electrical control while maintaining the natural mechanical feedback feel that users expect when manipulating the control element.
2Ease of operation
If purely mechanical actuation is used, then mechanical feedback is maintained, but considerable forces are required for actuation
Solution Approach 1:
The intermediate element acts as a mechanical intermediary between the control element and adjustment element. It transmits mechanical forces while measurement elements monitor its position, allowing electrical assistance to reduce required actuation forces while preserving mechanical feedback through the intermediate element's physical connection.
3Strength
If the first portion has high bending resistance, then structural stability is improved, but measurement precision of flexion is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The intermediate element has non-uniform cross-section design where different portions have different bending resistances. The first portion has lower bending resistance to enable measurable flexion for detection, while the second portion has higher bending resistance for structural stability, creating local quality variations optimized for both measurement and strength.
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
The design provides precise control with mechanical feedback, reducing the need for excessive force and preventing damage, ensuring reliable operation even in case of electrical failure, with the ability to switch between motor-assisted and manual operation.
Implementation Method 1
the first portion has a measurement element for measuring a flexion of the first portion
Data Source
AI summary
Endoscopic instrument with a control element, an instrument shaft, an adjustment element, a pull element and an actuator, and also with an intermediate element which is operatively connected to the control element and to the adjustment element, wherein the intermediate element has a first portion and a second portion, the first portion is connected to the second portion, the second portion has a greater bending resistance than the first portion, and the first portion has a measurement element for measuring a flexion of the first portion, wherein the adjustment element has a first abutment device, which defines a first movement range of the first portion relative to the adjustment element, and a second abutment device, which defines a second movement range of the second portion relative to the adjustment element, and the first movement range is smaller than the second movement range.