Magnetic Driving Force Transmission for Endoscope Rotary Units
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing insertion devices face challenges in efficiently transmitting rotation driving forces to rotary units within endoscope systems, particularly in ensuring reliable engagement and transmission of rotational forces along the longitudinal axis, which affects the mobility and removability of insertion sections within lumens.
Innovation Solution
A driving force transmitting unit is designed with a line portion extending along the driving axis, a distal connection portion connected to an actuation unit, a slider portion movable along the axis, and an urging portion that applies force to the line and connection portions, allowing for effective transmission of rotation driving forces to rotary units through a channel system within the insertion device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a flexible shaft is used to transmit rotation driving force to the rotary unit, then the insertion device can rotate the spiral propulsion portion for locomotion, but the transmission of rotational force becomes less efficient due to flexibility losses
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the flexible shaft mechanical transmission system with a magnetic field-based transmission system. A magnet is attached to the proximal end of the rotary unit, and a driving force transmitting unit with a channel extends through the insertion section. The magnetic field transmits rotational driving force through the channel without mechanical contact, eliminating flexibility losses and improving transmission efficiency while maintaining the ability to rotate the rotary unit for locomotion.
2Reliability
If the driving force transmitting unit is fixed permanently in the insertion section, then rotational force transmission is stable, but cleaning and maintenance become difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the driving force transmitting unit into separable components: a magnet attached to the rotary unit and a driving force transmitting unit with a channel that extends through the insertion section. These components can be separated for cleaning and maintenance while maintaining stable rotational force transmission during operation. The magnet can be detached from the rotary unit, and the driving force transmitting unit can be removed from the insertion section for thorough cleaning.
3Ease of operation
If the rotary unit is made rotatable for locomotion, then the insertion device gains mobility within lumens, but the complexity of the driving mechanism increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent simplifies the driving mechanism by replacing complex mechanical transmission components with a magnetic field-based system. A magnet attached to the proximal end of the rotary unit interacts with a driving force transmitting unit that extends through the insertion section. This magnetic interaction provides a simple yet effective way to transmit rotational driving force for locomotion without requiring complex mechanical gears, belts, or linkages.
Data Source
AI summary
A driving force transmitting unit includes a line portion extending along a driving axis in a channel, and a slider portion attached to a proximal portion of the line portion and movable relative to the line portion along the driving axis. The driving force transmitting unit includes an urging portion contracting in response to a movement of the slider portion relative to the line portion toward a distal direction and thereby applying an urging force toward the distal direction to the line portion.