Insertion Device Rotating Tubular Member Liquid Seal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing insertion devices face challenges in maintaining liquid-tightness and preventing liquid inflow into the driving unit placement cavity, which can damage the driving unit, especially when used in environments where liquids are present.
Innovation Solution
The insertion device incorporates a rotating tubular member that is supported by a base member and a support member, with distal and proximal side seal rings maintaining liquid-tightness between the base member and the rotating tubular member, ensuring that the rotation driving force is transmissible while preventing liquid inflow from both directions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the driving unit placement cavity is open to allow access to the driving unit, then the ease of operation is improved, but liquid can inflow into the cavity and damage the driving unit
Solution Approach 1:
The cavity is divided into two separate openings: a first opening that allows access to the driving unit for operation and maintenance, and a second opening that allows passage of the rotating tubular member. This segmentation enables the cavity to be accessed while preventing liquid inflow through the first opening, thus resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The rotating tubular member acts as an intermediary element that passes through the second opening of the cavity. This intermediary structure allows the cavity to be open for operational access while the seal rings on the rotating tubular member prevent liquid from entering through this opening, thereby maintaining both accessibility and protection
2Reliability
If seal rings are added to prevent liquid inflow, then the reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The rotating tubular member serves multiple functions: it transmits rotation driving force from the driving unit, maintains coaxial alignment through support members, and prevents liquid inflow through integrated seal rings. By combining these functions into a single component, the design achieves reliable liquid-tightness without significantly increasing device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The seal rings are integrated onto the rotating tubular member rather than being separate components. This merging of the sealing function with the existing rotating tubular member structure allows liquid-tightness to be achieved without adding independent seal components, thus improving reliability while minimizing increases in device complexity
3Manufacturing precision
If the rotating tubular member is supported at multiple points, then the manufacturing precision is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The support members are integrated into the cavity structure and serve dual functions: they provide coaxial alignment for the rotating tubular member during manufacturing and assembly, and they maintain this alignment during operation. This multi-functionality achieves high manufacturing precision without adding complex external support structures
Data Source
AI summary
An insertion device includes a support member supporting a rotating tubular member between a base member and the rotating tubular member in diametrical directions and holding the rotating tubular member at a position where a rotation driving force is transmittable from a driving unit to an inner peripheral portion of the rotating tubular member connected to the driving unit. The insertion device includes a distal side ring member maintaining liquid-tightness between an outer peripheral portion of the base member and the inner peripheral portion of the rotating tubular member to a distal direction side of the driving unit placement cavity, and a proximal side ring member maintaining liquid-tightness between the outer peripheral portion of the base member and the inner peripheral portion of the rotating tubular member to a proximal direction side of the driving unit placement cavity.