Endoscopic Instrument with Slit Longitudinal Elements
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing endoscopic instruments face complications in production due to the cumbersome and complex process of connecting cables, requiring equal tension across multiple cables for reliable control, which makes the manufacturing process intricate and error-prone.
Innovation Solution
The instrument is constructed with three coaxial cylindrical members, where the intermediate member is formed by multiple longitudinal elements with slits or cams, allowing for precise control and flexibility without the need for additional connection steps, using techniques like laser cutting for accurate production.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple cables are used for actuation, then reliable control of movement is achieved, but the production process becomes complicated and cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple separate cable connections are merged into a single integrated cable assembly that passes through all longitudinal elements simultaneously, eliminating the need for separate connection steps for each cable and reducing production complexity while maintaining control reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The cable assembly serves multiple functions: it acts as both the actuating mechanism and the structural element that transfers movement across all longitudinal elements, eliminating the need for separate tensioning mechanisms for each cable
2Reliability
If equal tension is maintained in all cables, then reliable control is obtained, but the manufacturing process becomes more intricate
Solution Approach 1:
The cable assembly automatically distributes tension uniformly across all longitudinal elements through its inherent structural design, eliminating the need for manual tension adjustment and ensuring equal tension without complex manufacturing procedures
Solution Approach 2:
The physical configuration of the cable assembly (length, routing, attachment points) is designed to naturally produce equal tension distribution, transforming the tension uniformity requirement from a manufacturing constraint into an inherent design feature
3Measurement precision
If separate cable connections are made, then control precision is improved, but the number of connection steps increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cable assembly is pre-configured with all necessary connection points and routing before insertion, so that during assembly it can be installed as a single unit rather than requiring multiple separate connection steps, reducing assembly time while maintaining precision
Data Source
AI summary
An instrument (203; 204) for endoscopic applications. The instrument is able to be guided through a curved shaped tube (201; 202) and has an intermediate cylindrical element (3) with a handling end portion with a flexible portion and actuating means located at an actuating end portion. The intermediate cylindrical element (3) has a first cylindrical part (31; 151) at the handling end portion, a second cylindrical part (35; 155) at the actuating end portion and a number of longitudinal elements (38; 60; 70; 80; 90; 100; 110; 130; 153) for transferring the movement of the actuating means to the handling end portion. The longitudinal elements are separated by longitudinal slits in the intermediate cylindrical element.