Endoscopic Y-Knife Regulator for Smooth Rotation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Endoscopic treatment instruments face difficulties in achieving smooth rotational movement of the distal end mechanism due to friction with the sheath, resulting in intermittent rotation and irregular correlation between rotational manipulation and the rotation amount, making precise positioning challenging.
Innovation Solution
An endoscopic treatment instrument design featuring a flexible wire, a cylindrical bearing, and a regulator section that allows the treatment member to expand radially and rotate freely, with the regulator section regulating the rotation to reduce friction and ensure consistent rotational movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the treatment member expands outward in radial direction in the exterior of the sheath, then the treatment member can perform treatment functions, but friction force increases upon contact with the sheath inner surface and insulative member, causing intermittent rotation
Solution Approach 1:
The regulator section acts as an intermediary mechanism between the treatment member and the sheath. It includes a regulating member with a groove that guides the treatment member's radial expansion while preventing direct frictional contact with the sheath inner surface, thereby enabling smooth rotation without compromising treatment functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The treatment member is segmented into multiple sections that can expand and contract radially. This segmentation allows the treatment member to expand outward for treatment functions while the individual segments can navigate through the regulator section's groove with reduced friction, preventing intermittent rotation.
2Ease of operation
If the distal end mechanism rotates intermittently when torque exceeds a predetermined value, then rotation can occur, but precise positioning becomes difficult due to irregular correlation between manipulation and rotation amount
Solution Approach 1:
The regulator section serves as a mediator that transforms the rotational input into controlled distal end mechanism rotation. The groove in the regulating member guides the treatment member's movement, ensuring that rotation occurs smoothly and continuously rather than intermittently, thereby maintaining precise correlation between manipulation and rotation amount for accurate positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The regulator section changes the mechanical parameters of the system by introducing a guided expansion path through the groove. This modifies the friction characteristics and rotational dynamics, transforming the intermittent rotation behavior into continuous, controllable rotation that maintains precise positioning capability.
3Ease of operation
If the treatment member makes contact with the regulator section, then rotation is regulated and smooth rotational correspondence is achieved, but the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The regulator section is designed to perform multiple functions within a single integrated structure. It provides rotational regulation, guides radial expansion, and maintains insulation simultaneously. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, thereby limiting the increase in overall structural complexity while achieving smooth rotational control.
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
The instrument achieves desirable rotational correspondence between the operation section and the distal end mechanism, reducing idle rotation and enabling precise control and insulation for effective tissue dissection during procedures like ESD.
Implementation Method 1
the distal end mechanism hardly rotates if the distal end mechanism has a shape expanding outward in a radial direction in the exterior of the sheath 111 having a wire 110 passing therethrough as shown in FIG. 9 and makes friction force upon making contact with the inner surface of a sheath 111
Implementation Method 2
the rotation of the treatment member relative to the rotative member around the axial line is regulated when the treatment member makes contact with the regulator section
Data Source
AI summary
An endoscopic-use treatment instrument includes: a wire; an Y-shaped knife formed by a flexible material and is disposed at the distal end of the wire and used for treatment conducted in a body cavity; a flexible sheath having the wire passing therethrough; an operation section provided to the proximal end of the wire and capable of rotating the wire around an axial line; a cylindrical bearing fixed to the distal end of the sheath; a rotative member inserted into the bearing and capable of freely rotating relative to the bearing; and a regulator section provided to the rotative member and regulating the rotation of the treatment member relative to the rotative member around the axial line. The rotation of the Y-shape knife relative to the rotative member around the axial line is regulated when the Y-shape knife makes contact with the regulator section.