Introducing Apparatus Bending Control via Rotary Dial
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing endoscope apparatuses face challenges in efficiently and intuitively controlling the bending of their distal ends, particularly in medical and industrial applications, where precise directional control is necessary but often hindered by cumbersome operation mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
An introducing apparatus with an electric bending drive mechanism, a rotary knob, a dial for orthogonal bending control, a transmission mechanism, and a detecting section, integrated into an operating section with a rectangular housing, allowing for single-handed operation with improved ergonomics and reduced operator burden.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a manual knob is used for bending operation, then the operator can directly control the bending section, but the operation becomes cumbersome and requires two hands
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical knob with an electric bending drive mechanism that uses a motor to drive the bending section. The dial with rotary mechanism and transmission mechanism converts rotational input into precise bending control, eliminating the need for direct manual manipulation of complex mechanical knobs and enabling single-handed operation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If an RL dial is added for orthogonal bending control, then both up/down and right/left bending directions can be controlled, but the operating section becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the UD knob and RL dial into a single integrated operating section housing. The rotary mechanism and transmission mechanism are merged into a compact arrangement where the dial rotates on a rotary shaft, and the transmission mechanism efficiently couples the rotation to the electric bending drive mechanism, achieving dual-directional control without excessive structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a second rotational dimension through the dial that operates orthogonally to the UD knob. The dial's rotation axis is perpendicular to the UD knob's axis, enabling control in both up/down and right/left bending directions by adding a dimensional aspect to the operation interface.
3Ease of operation
If the transmission mechanism transmits rotation along an axis deviating from the rotary shaft axis, then the dial can be positioned for better ergonomics, but the transmission mechanism becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a transmission mechanism that acts as an intermediary between the dial's rotary shaft and the electric bending drive mechanism. This transmission mechanism, which may include gears or other transmission elements, efficiently transfers and transforms the rotational motion from the dial to the drive mechanism, enabling ergonomic dial positioning while maintaining reliable force transmission.
Data Source
AI summary
The introducing apparatus comprises the operating section, which is easy to grip and easy to operate, mounted therein by providing the dial of the operation element to perform a bending operation of the bending section and a part of the rotary mechanism alone while avoiding an operation range of the operating section for fingers of a gripping hand.