External Endoscope Mechanism Motor-Driven Bending Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing endoscope mechanisms require complex operations to control bending portions, which can be cumbersome and inefficient, especially when trying to insert the endoscope into complex lumens or direct the observation system accurately.
Innovation Solution
An external mechanism for endoscopes that includes an engaging member, a driving source, a housing case, and an operation switch, allowing for easy attachment and detachment, and enabling smooth rotation of bending operation knobs with a motor-driven force, thereby simplifying the bending control process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual operation of bending operation knobs is used, then the endoscope can be operated without additional devices, but the operation becomes cumbersome and requires large load on user's fingers
Solution Approach 1:
An external mechanism serving as an intermediary device is introduced between the user and the bending operation knobs. This mechanism includes a driving source (motor) that generates rotational force to turn the knobs automatically when the operation switch is actuated, thereby mediating the interaction and eliminating the need for direct manual rotation of the knobs
Solution Approach 2:
The manual mechanical operation of rotating bending knobs by finger force is replaced with an automated motor-driven system. The operation switch triggers an electric motor that generates the necessary torque to rotate the knobs, substituting the purely mechanical manual system with an electromechanical system that reduces physical strain on the user
2Measurement precision
If external mechanism is attached to operation portion, then the bending control is simplified and precision is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The bending control system is segmented into distinct functional modules: the existing endoscope body, the operation portion with bending knobs, and the externally attachable mechanism containing the motor and control circuitry. This segmentation allows the precision-enhancing features to be added only when needed, without permanently complicating the base device
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a static, fixed configuration to a dynamic, adaptable configuration. The external mechanism can be attached to or detached from the operation portion based on operational requirements, allowing the device complexity to vary dynamically - simple when detached, enhanced when attached
Data Source
AI summary
An external mechanism for endoscope includes a bending wheel, a motor, a housing case, and an operation switch, a case side fitting surface and a switch side fitting surface are formed flat to each other, and when a protrusion is provided on a contact surface of the housing case, a recess is provided on a contact surface of the operation switch, whereas when a protrusion is provided on the contact surface of the operation switch, a recess is provided on the contact surface of the housing case.