Flexible Tube Insertion Apparatus with Variable Rigidity Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing endoscope insertion techniques often apply excessive load to the body cavity wall, leading to unnecessary extension and potential damage during insertion.

Innovation Solution

A flexible tube insertion apparatus with a rigidity variable member and a binding member that adjusts the pressing force on the rigidity variable member, allowing for controlled bending and reduced load on the body cavity wall.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Length of moving object

If the insertion section is pushed into the subject with a bent bending portion or flexible portion, then the insertion section can be inserted into deep parts of the body cavity, but an unreasonable load is applied to the body cavity wall and the body cavity is extended more than necessary

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinsertion depthVSAvoidload on body cavity wall

Core Design Contradiction:

Length of moving objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the rigidity of the insertion section variable rather than fixed. The rigidity variable mechanism allows the insertion section to dynamically adjust its rigidity along the longitudinal direction, enabling it to be rigid when needed for propulsion and flexible when needed for navigation, thereby reducing unnecessary load on the body cavity wall while maintaining insertion depth capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the physical parameter of rigidity along the longitudinal direction of the insertion section. By creating segments with different rigidity values (higher rigidity at the proximal end, lower rigidity at the distal end), the insertion section can optimize its mechanical properties for both deep insertion and reduced wall load, resolving the contradiction between insertion depth and harmful load

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of operation

If the rigidity variable mechanism is controlled to improve insertability, then the insertion performance is enhanced, but the device complexity increases due to additional control mechanisms

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinsertion performanceVSAvoidcontrol mechanism complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the insertion section into multiple segments along the longitudinal direction, with each segment having different rigidity characteristics. This segmentation allows the complex rigidity control function to be distributed across simpler modular components, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining enhanced insertion performance

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces complex active control mechanisms with a passive mechanical structure where rigidity varies along the longitudinal direction. This mechanical substitution eliminates the need for complex sensors, actuators, and control systems while achieving the desired insertion performance through the inherent rigidity gradient of the segmented structure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS12310557B2Flexible tube insertion apparatus, control apparatus, and method of changing rigidity

Publication Date: 2025.05.27 OLYMPUS CORPORATION(JP)

AI summary

A flexible tube insertion apparatus includes an insertion section inserted into an insertion target conduit, a rigidity variable member disposed inside the insertion section and capable of changing rigidity, and a binding member configured to bind a proximal end portion of the rigidity variable member to be capable of changing a pressing force applied to an outer circumferential surface of the proximal end portion.