Endoscopic Kink Protector Fin Design for Secure Tube Connection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing endoscopic devices with kink protectors face challenges in maintaining a secure and safe connection to tubes with varying diameters due to manufacturing tolerances, leading to potential inadvertent detachment and loss of clamping force during tube removal.
Innovation Solution
The endoscopic device incorporates a kink protector with a conical or cylindrical base body and a quick-release coupling featuring a fin that extends along the main extension direction of the base body, providing enhanced retention and safety by allowing gradual detachment and accommodating tubes with different diameters through a fin design that bends laterally and is made from an elastic thermoplastic material.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a conventional quick-release coupling with multiple annular ribs is used, then the connection can be quickly released, but the retention force is insufficient and inadvertent detachment occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the geometric parameter of the coupling element by extending the fin along the main extension direction of the base body for at least 50% of its length, creating a larger surface area for frictional contact and mechanical interlocking with the tube, thereby increasing retention force while preserving quick-release functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a conventional multi-rib annular structure to a fin structure that extends in the longitudinal dimension (along the main extension direction), adding dimensional complexity to increase the interaction surface between the coupling element and the tube, thus improving retention without compromising ease of release
2Strength
If a rigid coupling structure is used, then the connection is strong, but it cannot accommodate tubes with different inside diameters due to manufacturing tolerances
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs an elastic material for the fin with specified Shore hardness values (40-90), enabling the fin to elastically deform and adapt to tubes with varying inside diameters while maintaining sufficient connection strength through elastic recovery and continuous contact pressure
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a flexible fin made of elastic material that can bend and conform to the inner surface of tubes with different diameters, providing a adaptable interface that maintains strong connection across manufacturing tolerances while allowing easy insertion and removal
3Device complexity
If a conventional coupling design is used, then the structure is simple, but the tube cannot be removed evenly and may suddenly lose clamping force
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the geometric parameter of the fin by extending it along the main extension direction to create a gradual taper, which distributes the detachment force over a longer distance and time, enabling even and controlled removal while maintaining structural simplicity and avoiding sudden loss of clamping force
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 solution ensures a secure and safe connection to tubes with varying diameters, preventing inadvertent detachment and maintaining clamping force during removal, while allowing for easy installation and removal processes.
Implementation Method 1
the fin is configured to bend laterally upon contact
Data Source
AI summary
The present application is directed to an endoscopic device, including at least one flexible endo scope shaft and at least one kink protector, which is associated with the endoscope shaft and includes at least one base body that has a conical and/or cylindrical design, at least in sections, and that has a main extension direction and a main extension along the main extension direction, and the kink protector includes at least one quick-release coupling, which is configured for a selective connection to a tube and includes at least one fin situated at least substantially perpendicularly on the base body. It is provided that the fin has an extension extending along the main extension direction of the base body at least across 50% of the main extension of the base body.