Endoscopic Rotational Optical Element Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional endoscopic devices for minimally invasive surgery have complex structures, making them costly and difficult to operate, particularly in altering the viewing direction of camera elements.
Innovation Solution
A simple and cost-effective mechanism involving a spiral strip running through a slot to rotate an optical element, allowing convenient adjustment of the camera's viewing direction by connecting the spiral strip to a rotational element within the endoscopic device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional endoscopic devices use complex structures to alter viewing direction, then the viewing direction can be changed, but the device becomes costly and difficult to operate
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into distinct functional modules: a main member with a slot, a shaft member with a spiral strip, and a rotational element with an optical element. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, simplifying the overall structure while maintaining the capability to alter viewing direction through the coordinated action of these modular parts.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention employs a dynamic mechanism where the spiral strip on the shaft member can be selectively inserted through the slot in the main member to rotate the optical element. This dynamic configuration allows the viewing direction to be changed on-demand through a simple rotational motion, transforming a static complex structure into a dynamic system with easier operation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional endoscopic devices use complex structures to alter viewing direction, then the viewing direction can be changed, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the device into a main member, shaft member, and rotational element, each component can be manufactured separately using standard fabrication processes. The slot in the main member and the spiral strip on the shaft member are simple geometric features that can be produced cost-effectively, reducing overall manufacturing complexity and cost while maintaining the adaptability to change viewing directions.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using complex mechanical linkages or multiple actuators to achieve viewing direction changes, the invention inverts the approach by using a simple spiral strip that rotates an optical element. This inverted approach—using a simple rotational mechanism rather than complex positional control systems—significantly reduces manufacturing cost while preserving the adaptability to alter viewing directions.
3Ease of manufacture
If a spiral strip mechanism is used to rotate the optical element, then the structure is simplified and manufacturing cost is reduced, but the viewing direction alteration requires precise control of the spiral strip
Solution Approach 1:
The spiral strip acts as an intermediary element between the shaft member and the rotational element. By engaging the spiral strip with the slot in a controlled manner, the system translates simple linear motion of the shaft into precise rotational motion of the optical element. This intermediary mechanism simplifies manufacturing while providing inherent precision through the geometric relationship between the spiral strip and slot.
Data Source
AI summary
The endoscopic device includes a main member having a front slot and a shaft member having a spiral strip selectively running through the slot. The spiral strip is connected to a rotational element whose front end is provided with an optical element. A camera support element is extended from the main member and a camera element is supported by the camera support element. By running the spiral strip through the slot to turn the rotational element and the optical element, a viewing direction of the camera element is altered by the optical element.