Endoscopic Slider Positioning With Integrated Cantilever Spring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing endoscopic treatment tools have a large number of parts due to the use of plate springs, leading to increased size and complexity of the slider.
Innovation Solution
The tool incorporates a cantilevered spring structure integrated with the base and slider, reducing the number of parts and simplifying the structure, while maintaining precise operation through concavo-convex engagement and guiding mechanisms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If plate springs are used to position the slider in multiple positions, then the slider can maintain stable positions (open, neutral, fire), but the number of parts increases and the slider size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the spring mechanism directly into the slider structure, merging what were previously separate components (plate springs and slider) into a single integrated component. The spring arms are formed as integral parts of the slider body, eliminating the need for separate plate springs and reducing the total number of parts while maintaining the positioning function.
Solution Approach 2:
The slider is designed to perform multiple functions: it positions the connection hook, controls the release mechanism, and provides tactile feedback through spring arms. The spring arms serve both as positioning elements and as indicators of slider position, combining multiple functions into a single component structure.
2Stability of the object's composition
If plate springs are used to position the slider in multiple positions, then the slider can maintain stable positions, but the slider size increases due to spring accommodating portion
Solution Approach 1:
The spring mechanism is merged with the slider body, eliminating the need for a separate spring accommodating portion. The spring arms are formed integrally from the slider material, so no additional space is required to house separate spring components.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring arms extend radially outward from the slider body in a direction perpendicular to the sliding motion, utilizing the radial dimension rather than requiring additional axial or lateral space. This allows the spring mechanism to be compact while still providing the necessary positioning function.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate components are used in the slider, then each component can be optimized for its specific function, but the manufacturing cost increases and assembly becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple functions previously requiring separate components (spring arms, positioning elements, tactile indicators) are merged into a single slider structure. This integration reduces the number of manufacturing steps, eliminates the need for multiple assembly operations, and reduces overall manufacturing cost while maintaining functional optimization.
Solution Approach 2:
The slider is designed as a multi-functional component that performs positioning, actuation, and indication functions simultaneously. This universal design approach allows a single optimized structure to replace multiple specialized components, simplifying manufacturing while maintaining adaptability to different operational requirements.
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
This configuration allows for a downsized, simplified design with improved operation clarity and reduced manufacturing costs, enhancing the ease of use and assembly.
Implementation Method 1
a spring portion with cantilevered structure is integrally provided on at least one of the base and the slider to elastically engage at least one of the plurality of positioning engagement portions of the base and the concavo-convex engagement portions of the slider
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is an endoscopic treatment tool. The base has a guide groove extending in the axial direction and both side walls of the guide groove, and a plurality of positioning engagement portions that can engage the slider concavo-convexly at a plurality of locations in the axial direction. The slider has, inside a cylindrical body of a predetermined length surrounding the base, a wire fixing portion which is slidably guided into the guide groove and to which the proximal end of the drive wire is fixed, and the protruding portion that is concavo-convexly engaged with one of a plurality of positioning engagement portions when the slider reaches one of a plurality of axial locations with respect to the base. The spring portion with cantilevered structure is integrally provided on the base to elastically engage the plurality of positioning engagement portions of the base with the protruding portion of the slider concavo-convexly.