External Endoscope Mechanism Motor-Driven Bending Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing endoscope designs face difficulties in smoothly switching between the main and sub bending operation knobs due to their separate locations, leading to a high load on the user's finger and reduced operability, especially when trying to insert the insertion portion into complex lumens.
Innovation Solution
An external mechanism for endoscopes that includes a wheel engaging with the bending operation knob, a motor-driven source, an operation switch, a container case with attachment and detachment fixation, and a turning member that can cover part of the operation portion, allowing for motor-driven operation of the sub bending portion without applying excessive load on the user's finger.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the sub bending operation apparatus is provided away from the main bending operation apparatus on the operation portion, then the bending operation of the first and second bending portions can be performed independently, but it becomes difficult for the user to smoothly switch between the main and sub bending operation apparatus and a large load is applied to the user's finger
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical turning operation with an electric motor-driven system. The external mechanism includes a motor that automatically turns the sub bending operation apparatus, eliminating the need for the user to apply finger force to switch between bending operations. This substitution resolves the contradiction by removing the mechanical load from the user's finger while maintaining independent control capability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the sub bending operation apparatus is provided away from the main bending operation apparatus, then independent bending operation is achieved, but the device complexity increases due to the need for external mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the bending operation system into separate modular components: the main bending operation apparatus integrated into the endoscope, and the sub bending operation apparatus as a detachable external mechanism. This segmentation allows independent operation of each bending portion while keeping the overall system complexity manageable through modularity. The external mechanism can be attached or detached as needed, providing versatility without permanently increasing device complexity.
3Force
If an external electrically-driven bending mechanism is used, then the load on the user's finger is reduced, but the remote operation switch needs to be operably exposed which complicates the operation portion layout
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves the layout conflict by utilizing the spatial dimension created by the turnable member. The operation switch is positioned on the external mechanism, and the turnable member rotates between covering and exposing the switch. This dimensional arrangement allows the switch to be hidden when not in use (maintaining clean operation portion layout) while remaining accessible when needed (maintaining operational capability), thus resolving the contradiction between reduced finger load and layout complexity.
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
Enables easier and less labor-intensive operation of the sub bending portion by reducing finger load and improving the user's ability to navigate complex lumens without disturbing the operation of the main bending portion.
Implementation Method 1
a driving source configured to generate driving force for rotating the wheel
Data Source
AI summary
An external mechanism for endoscope includes a wheel engaged with a second bending operation up and down knob of a second bending operation apparatus provided in an operation portion of an endoscope, a motor configured to generate driving force for rotating the wheel, an operation switch for outputting a driving control signal to the motor, a container case containing the wheel and the motor, a case attachment and detachment fixation member with which the container case can be attached to and detached from the operation portion, a switch case attached to the container case and configured to be able to turn between a first position covering a part of the operation portion and a second position away from the first position, and a dummy switch provided in the switch case and configured to operate a remote switch arranged in the operation portion in the first position via the switch case.