Endoscopic Device Actuation Line Stop Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing endoscopic devices face challenges in ensuring the end effector is in a safe operating state, particularly during production, repair, and cleaning, to prevent unintended exposure of sharp edges or cutting edges, which could injure patients.
Innovation Solution
The endoscopic device incorporates an actuation line and motion converter that are inserted into each other, with the actuation line firmly connected to the motion converter, featuring a stop mechanism that ensures the actuation line rests on a stop dependent on the tool piece's operating state, preventing unintended movements and exposures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the actuating mechanism and motion converter are integrated without a stop mechanism, then the device complexity is reduced, but the safety and reliability deteriorate due to potential unintended exposure of sharp edges
Solution Approach 1:
The motion converter is designed to automatically assume a safe position when the actuating string becomes slack, without requiring external monitoring or control systems. The integrated structure with stop mechanism enables the device to self-regulate and prevent dangerous states autonomously
Solution Approach 2:
The stop mechanism is pre-configured in the motion converter to prevent the tool piece from reaching dangerous positions. By anticipating potential unsafe states, the design proactively blocks the path to harm before it can occur during manufacturing, repair, or cleaning operations
2Ease of repair
If the actuating string is not rigidly connected to the motion converter, then the ease of repair is improved, but the reliability deteriorates due to potential loss of connection and unintended operating states
Solution Approach 1:
The actuating mechanism is divided into separable components - the actuating string and the motion converter - that can be independently accessed and replaced. The rigid connection ensures reliable force transmission during operation, while the modular design allows the string to be replaced without replacing the entire motion converter
Solution Approach 2:
The motion converter incorporates a stop mechanism that acts as a safety buffer, preventing the tool piece from reaching dangerous positions even if the actuating string connection is lost or becomes slack during maintenance operations
3Ease of operation
If the end effector can move freely during cleaning and repair, then the ease of operation is improved, but the object-affected harmful factors increase due to potential exposure of sharp edges to patients
Solution Approach 1:
The motion converter automatically assumes a safe position when the actuating string becomes slack during cleaning or repair, without requiring external monitoring. This self-regulating behavior prevents sharp edges from being exposed to patients while maintaining operational flexibility
Solution Approach 2:
The slackness of the actuating string during maintenance, which could potentially lead to unintended movements, is converted into a beneficial safety feature. The stop mechanism uses this slack condition to automatically position the tool piece in a safe state, turning a potential hazard into a protective mechanism
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 design enhances the safety and functionality of the endoscopic device by ensuring the end effector is in a controlled operating state, reducing the risk of accidental exposure of sharp edges or cutting edges, thereby improving patient safety and operational reliability.
Implementation Method 1
a motion converter which mechanically couples the end effector to the actuating string and which is arranged to convert a first movement of the actuating string into a second movement of the tool piece
Implementation Method 2
in an operating state of the tool piece the actuating string rests against a stop provided by the motion converter which is dependent on the operating state of the tool piece
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention comprises an endoscopic device (16a-k) with at least one shaft (26a; 26b; 26c; 26d; 26i; 26j) which has at least one section (42a) that is deflectable in at least one plane (44a), and with at least one deflection mechanism (46a-j) which is configured to deflect the deflectable section (42a) and is arranged in series, comprising at least one first connecting element (48a; 48c; 48e; 48i) and at least one second connecting element (50a; 50c; 50e; 50f; 50g; 50h; 50i) which cooperates with the first connecting element (48a; 48c; 48e; 48i) to deflect the deflection, and at least one control string (80a; 80d; 80e) which is used to adjust the deflection of the deflectable section. (42a) is coupled to the connecting elements (48a; 48c; 48e; 48i; 50a; 50c; 50e; 50f; 50g; 50h; 50i) and connected to an end section (28a; 28d; 28j) of the shaft (26a; 26b; 26c; 26d; 26i; 26j).It is proposed that at least part of the control string (80a; 80d; 80e) in the area of the end section (28a; 28d; 28j) of the shaft (26a; 26b; 26c; 26d; 26i; 26j) is arranged to form a wrap (84a; 84d).