Endoscopic Control Strand Loop Design for Kink Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing endoscopic devices face issues with the durability and maintenance of their control strands, particularly at the end section of the shaft, where kinking and damage can occur, leading to reduced service life and increased maintenance needs.
Innovation Solution
The endoscopic device incorporates a control strand arrangement forming a loop at the end section of the shaft, secured by a strand holder with a horseshoe-like or keyhole-like contour, guiding the strand to prevent kinking and distribute force over a larger radius, thereby enhancing durability and reducing maintenance requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the control strand is arranged straight at the end section of the shaft, then the structure is simple, but the strand is prone to kinking and damage reducing service life
Solution Approach 1:
The control strand is arranged to form a loop (curved configuration) at the end section of the shaft instead of a straight arrangement. This curvature distributes mechanical stress over a larger radius, preventing kinking and damage while maintaining structural simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
A strand holder with a horseshoe-like or keyhole-like contour is introduced as an intermediary component to guide and secure the control strand. This holder distributes force over a larger radius and prevents direct contact points that would cause kinking, thereby enhancing strand durability.
2Reliability
If the control strand is secured firmly at the end section, then damage prevention is improved, but the strand may become detached or destroyed
Solution Approach 1:
The strand holder acts as a mediator between the control strand and the shaft end section. It provides a guided path that secures the strand through its horseshoe-like or keyhole-like contour while allowing controlled access and preventing sudden detachment or destruction.
3Duration of action of stationary object
If the control strand is arranged to form a loop, then the service life is extended, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The loop configuration of the control strand is designed to distribute stress over a larger radius, naturally preventing kinking and extending service life. This curved arrangement can be integrated into the shaft structure during manufacturing without requiring complex additional components.
Solution Approach 2:
The strand holder with its horseshoe-like or keyhole-like contour serves as a manufacturing-friendly intermediary that guides the control strand into the proper loop configuration. This design simplifies the manufacturing process by providing a built-in guide structure that ensures correct strand placement and stress distribution.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention comprises an endoscopic device (16a-j) 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) 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), wherein at least a 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) forming a wrap (84a; 84d).;