Endoscopic Instrument Segmented Arms and Cutting Electrode
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional endoscopic treatment instruments face a challenge in maintaining holding force while increasing energy density for treating large affected areas, as slenderizing arm portions reduces the force required for holding the object.
Innovation Solution
An endoscopic treatment instrument with a sheath and pair of arm portions that protrude and retract, featuring an energy treating portion extended orthogonally and energy leading portions for high-frequency energy transmission, allowing for increased energy density without compromising holding force.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If the arm portions are slenderized or thinned to minimize contact area and raise current density, then the energy density with respect to the object to be treated is improved, but the holding force is deteriorated
Solution Approach 1:
The instrument is segmented into distinct functional components: the arm portions for holding and the energy treating portion for cutting. The arm portions can have a larger cross-sectional area to provide sufficient holding force, while the energy treating portion (cutting electrode) has a minimized cross-sectional area to achieve high current density. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function without compromising the other.
2Manufacturing precision
If the contact area is minimized to increase current density, then the energy density is improved, but the holding capability is deteriorated
Solution Approach 1:
The instrument separates the holding function (arm portions) from the cutting function (energy treating portion). The arm portions can be designed with larger dimensions and appropriate geometry to securely hold various sized objects, while the energy treating portion maintains a small contact area for high current density. This functional segmentation resolves the contradiction between holding capability and current density.
Solution Approach 2:
Different parts of the instrument have different structural qualities optimized for their specific functions. The arm portions have larger cross-sectional areas and structures optimized for mechanical strength and holding capability, while the energy treating portion has a minimized cross-sectional area specifically at the cutting electrode to maximize current density. This local differentiation of structural qualities allows both requirements to be satisfied simultaneously.
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 instrument effectively maintains holding force while enhancing energy density, enabling efficient treatment of larger areas by minimizing the cross-sectional area of the cutting electrode and maximizing current density.
Implementation Method 1
supplying a high-frequency electric current to the pair of the arm portions
Data Source
AI summary
An endoscopic treatment instrument is provided which includes: a sheath 2 having electrical insulating properties; a pair of arm portions 3A and 3B which are disposed opposite to each other, which protrude and retract with respect to the sheath 2, and which accordingly open and close to thereby hold an object to be treated; a cutting electrode 5 which is protruded from and fixed to the distal end of the sheath 2 and which supplies a high-frequency electric current when it touches the object to be treated.