Flexible Epoxy Adhesive for Endoscope Insertion Sections
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing endoscope adhesives lack sufficient flexibility, leading to cracking or breakage when the endoscope insertion section is bent to high curvatures, compromising operability and accuracy during medical procedures.
Innovation Solution
A two-component adhesive system comprising an epoxy resin with an average degree of polymerization of 2 or more and a polyamine compound, which forms a flexible cured product that can withstand bending without cracking, suitable for fixing endoscope members and ensuring high sterilization resistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If conventional epoxy adhesives are used to bond endoscope members, then high adhesiveness and electrical properties are achieved, but the cured product has insufficient flexibility and cracks or breaks when bent to high curvatures
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the chemical composition parameters of the epoxy adhesive by incorporating specific flexible chain compounds (polyether compounds, polyester compounds, or silicone compounds) in controlled amounts (5-50 parts by mass per 100 parts by mass of epoxy resin). This parameter modification transforms the rigid cured product into a flexible one that can withstand high curvature bending while maintaining adhesiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention creates a composite adhesive system by combining epoxy resin with flexible chain compounds (polyether, polyester, or silicone compounds). This composite material approach integrates the high adhesiveness of epoxy with the flexibility of the added compounds, resolving the contradiction between strength and flexibility.
2Ease of operation
If the insertion section is made with smaller diameter to reduce foreign body sensation, then patient comfort is improved, but the structural integrity and bonding strength become more difficult to maintain
Solution Approach 1:
By modifying the adhesive composition to include flexible chain compounds, the bonding strength is maintained even in smaller diameter insertion sections. The flexible cured product adapts to the reduced scale while preserving the necessary mechanical strength for structural integrity.
3Reliability
If high sterilization treatments are applied to prevent infectious diseases, then sterilization effectiveness is improved, but the adhesive may lose its adhesiveness after repeated treatments
Solution Approach 1:
The incorporation of flexible chain compounds (polyether, polyester, or silicone compounds) modifies the chemical structure of the cured adhesive to enhance its resistance to sterilization treatments. This compositional change allows the adhesive to withstand repeated high sterilization treatments while maintaining its bonding properties.
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 adhesive provides enhanced flexibility and sterilization resistance, allowing for reliable and accurate endoscope insertion and treatment while maintaining structural integrity under repeated sterilization treatments.
Implementation Method 1
A two-component adhesive for an endoscope includes a base resin and a curing agent. The base resin contains an epoxy resin (A), and the epoxy resin (A) includes an epoxy resin (a) having an average degree of polymerization of 2 or more.
Data Source
AI summary
A two-component adhesive for an endoscope and a cured product thereof, the adhesive having a base resin and a curing agent. The base resin contains an epoxy resin (A), and the epoxy resin (A) includes an epoxy resin (a) having an average degree of polymerization of 2 or more. Also disclosed are an endoscope produced by using the adhesive for an endoscope and a method for producing the endoscope.