Endoscopic Slider Mechanism for Dynamic 3D Convergence
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current endoscopic systems lack the ability to provide 3-dimensional human vision simulated imaging with real dynamic convergence, are not adaptable for both therapeutic and diagnostic operations, and have structural limitations that increase contamination risk and reduce durability.
Innovation Solution
An advanced endoscopic system with freely movable probe arms and a simple slider mechanism for imaging probe convergence/divergence, integrated with a gearbox for automated control, allowing for enhanced precision and reduced external moving parts, enabling use in various cavities and spaces with improved user-friendliness and durability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional endoscopic systems are used, then the structure is simpler, but the system cannot achieve real dynamic convergence and 3-dimensional human vision simulated imaging
Solution Approach 1:
The endoscopic system is divided into separate functional modules: two independent probe arms with imaging probes, a slider mechanism for convergence control, and a gearbox for automated operation. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function optimally while maintaining overall system manageability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates dynamic elements including freely movable probe arms that can adjust their position within a 180-degree range, a slider that moves along the main tubular shaft to control convergence, and automated convergence mechanisms that dynamically adjust imaging probe alignment in real-time during procedures.
2Ease of operation
If more external moving parts are added to enable convergence control, then real dynamic convergence is achieved, but contamination risk increases and durability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The convergence control mechanism is nested within the main tubular shaft structure. The slider moves inside the shaft, and the imaging probes are mounted on probe arms that rotate within the shaft's internal space. This nesting minimizes external moving parts while maintaining full convergence control capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The convergence control function is extracted from the distal end and integrated into the proximal end structure. The slider and gearbox are positioned at the proximal end, allowing convergence adjustment to be controlled from outside the body cavity while keeping the distal imaging probes clean and protected.
3Adaptability or versatility
If probe arms are made freely movable for flexibility, then adaptability to different cavities is improved, but control difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates positioning sensors that detect the real-time position of the imaging probes and slider. This feedback information is transmitted to the gearbox, which automatically adjusts the probe arms and imaging probes to maintain proper convergence and alignment, reducing the operator's control burden while maintaining flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The automated convergence mechanism uses sensor feedback to self-adjust the imaging probes' alignment. The system monitors its own state and makes corrections automatically, allowing the freely movable probe arms to be controlled with minimal manual intervention while maintaining precise convergence.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the main tubular shaft interior space is increased for cable routing, then diversification of use is enabled, but the overall device size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The main tubular shaft features non-uniform internal spacing with expanded interior space at the proximal end to accommodate the gearbox and cable routing, while maintaining a compact distal end profile for insertion. The probe arms are positioned to maximize cable routing space without increasing overall device length.
Data Source
AI summary
An improved endoscopic device for obtaining 3-dimensional human vision simulated imaging with real dynamic convergence in therapeutic, diagnostic, and other applications. Imaging probes are mounted on a tubular shaft and a simple/sleek slider moves back-and-forth on the shaft, with slider movement optionally modified and redirected to affect imaging probe convergence/divergence. Imaging probe convergence/divergence can be optionally manual for visual target selection, and the probe arms upon which the imaging probes are mounted may also be moved through a combined 180 degree movement range using a manual control. The first and second movement transmitting means respectively adapted to cause slider-initiated convergence, or manual convergence, of the imaging probes each share at least one integrated movement element with the control means adapted for engaging and disengaging the first and second movement transmitting means. The endoscope can be fitted with different diagnostic and therapeutic systems, and can be adapted to work with robotic systems.