Functional Hose Instrument Axial Stroke Actuation via Curvature
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional functional hose instruments require sensitive handling for precise adjustment of short axial strokes, making it difficult for users to set a desired stroke length, especially in applications with limited space or small required stroke lengths.
Innovation Solution
The instrument design incorporates a mechanism where the instrument body is bent in the operating area to create a curvature difference between the sheath and core, allowing for a relative axial displacement that provides the desired stroke, enabling sensitive adjustment of the axial stroke length without complex fixation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional operating units with two axially movable operating parts are used, then the axial stroke can be transmitted to the distal functional area, but sensitive handling is required for precise adjustment of short axial strokes
Solution Approach 1:
The instrument body is bent into a curvature in the operating area, creating a curved path for the core relative to the sheath. This curvature transforms the linear axial movement into a rotational or arc-based movement, allowing the user to achieve precise axial stroke adjustment through more intuitive bending or rotating motions of the operating unit, rather than requiring sensitive linear displacement control.
Solution Approach 2:
The solution introduces a curvature dimension to the operating mechanism. Instead of purely axial linear movement between two operating parts, the core follows a curved path within the sheath when the instrument body is bent. This adds a rotational or angular dimension to the operation, making it easier to control precise axial strokes through multi-dimensional manipulation.
2Length of moving object
If the axial stroke length is made small (e.g., less than 1 mm), then the instrument is suitable for applications with limited space, but it becomes difficult for the user to set and control the desired stroke length
Solution Approach 1:
By introducing curvature to the instrument body in the operating area, the system amplifies the user's input motion. A small bending or rotational movement of the operating unit translates into a controlled axial stroke of the distal functional element, making it easier to set and control very short stroke lengths that would otherwise require extremely fine linear adjustments.
Solution Approach 2:
The curvature radius and angle of the bent instrument body can be adjusted to change the mechanical advantage ratio. By modifying these geometric parameters, the system can be tuned to provide appropriate control sensitivity for different required stroke lengths, making short strokes (less than 1 mm) controllable through reasonable operating movements.
3Measurement precision
If the instrument body is bent into curvature to provide axial stroke, then sensitive adjustment is achieved, but the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The curved instrument body design serves multiple functions: it provides the axial stroke mechanism, enables sensitive adjustment control, and maintains structural flexibility. The same bent configuration that creates the curvature-based movement mechanism also serves as the structural framework, eliminating the need for separate complex transmission mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The sheath and core are designed as flexible components that can accommodate the curvature of the instrument body. This flexibility allows the curved configuration to function as both the structural framework and the movement transmission mechanism, simplifying the overall structure compared to rigid mechanisms with multiple moving parts.
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
This design allows for a comfortable and reliable operation with a large operating travel, achieving a significant stroke length with minimal effort, even for short required strokes, and simplifies handling by allowing loose coupling to the control unit.
Implementation Method 1
The operating unit (4) is designed such that actuation thereof causes the instrument body (1) to be bent in the operating area (1b) into a curvature which differs from the initial position curve (VA) into a more strongly curved curvature profile (VK), thereby providing the axial stroke (AH)
Data Source
Figure 1~5B
Figure 5C~9
Figure 10~14
AI summary
1. Functional hose instrument with axial stroke actuation. 2.1. The invention relates to a functional hose instrument with a hose-like, elongated instrument body (1) which has a flexible sleeve (2) and a flexible core (3) extending therein and is designed to enable an axial relative movement of the sleeve and core and thereby an axial stroke (AH) at least in a distal functional region (1a) for actuating a useful element, and with an operating unit to which the instrument body is coupled to an operating region (1b) proximally arranged upstream of the distal functional region for effecting the axial stroke. 2.2.According to the invention, the operating unit is configured to reversibly bend the instrument body in the operating area from an initial position into a more strongly curved curvature (VK) when actuated. This curvature produces a difference in the length of the curvature between the shell and core along the curvature, providing the axial stroke. 2.3. Use, for example, for endoscopic instruments in medical technology.