Endoscopic High-Frequency Tool Stranded Wire Fraying Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing endoscopic high-frequency treatment tools face issues with the conductive wire becoming frayed and expanding radially when rotated, leading to potential malfunctions and difficulties in flux-residue cleaning and heat application during electrode connection.
Innovation Solution
A design featuring a stranded wire with a cover sheath made of heat-shrinkable material, where the conductive wire is inserted into an insulating flexible sheath, and a part of the strands is extended as a high-frequency cutting electrode, with a distal and proximal portion allowing rotation and preventing radial expansion, eliminating the need for soldering or brazing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a stranded wire is used as a conductive wire and a part of the strands is extended as a high-frequency cutting electrode, then the conductive wire can be rotated about its axis for flexible operation, but the end of the conductive wire becomes frayed and expands radially causing malfunction
Solution Approach 1:
A flexible sheath is formed by folding back the distal end portion of the insulating flexible sheath to create a cover that encloses the conductive stranded wire. This flexible shell structure prevents the wire strands from fraying and expanding radially while allowing the wire to rotate about its axis for flexible operation during endoscopic procedures.
2Reliability
If the end of the high-frequency cutting electrode is soldered to the end surface of the conductive wire, then electrical connection is established, but flux-residue cleaning operation becomes extremely troublesome
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical connection between the high-frequency cutting electrode and conductive wire is established through mechanical compression and contact within the flexible sheath structure, eliminating the need for soldering. This mechanical connection approach avoids flux-residue contamination and simplifies the manufacturing process while ensuring reliable electrical connection.
3Reliability
If the end of the high-frequency cutting electrode is brazed to the end surface of the conductive wire, then electrical connection is established, but application of heat during brazing weakens the base of the high-frequency cutting electrode causing damage
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical connection is achieved through mechanical contact and compression within the flexible sheath, replacing the thermal brazing process. This eliminates heat application that would weaken the base of the high-frequency cutting electrode, preserving structural integrity while ensuring reliable electrical connection.
4Reliability
If a cover sheath is fitted on the conductive stranded wire to prevent fraying, then radial expansion is prevented, but the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible sheath is segmented into a main body portion and a distal end portion that is folded back to form a cover. This segmentation allows the cover to be formed from the same material as the main sheath, creating a unified structure that prevents fraying without adding separate complex components. The folded-back portion naturally encloses the conductive wire end.
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
Prevents fraying and radial expansion of the conductive wire, eliminates the need for flux-residue cleaning, and avoids heat weakening of the high-frequency cutting electrode, ensuring reliable operation and extended tool lifespan.
Implementation Method 1
a cover sheath which is fitted on a portion of the conductive stranded wire in the vicinity of a end thereof
Data Source
AI summary
An endoscopic high-frequency treatment tool includes an insulating flexible sheath; a conductive stranded wire made of metal; and a cover sheath which is fitted on a portion of the conductive stranded wire in the vicinity of a end thereof. The conductive stranded wire is inserted into the insulating flexible sheath so as to be rotatable about an axis of the conductive stranded wire from a proximal end side thereof, and a part of wire strands of the conductive stranded wire is extended outwards from a portion of the insulating flexible sheath in the vicinity of a end thereof to be used as a high-frequency cutting electrode.