Modular Endoscope Y-Connector Segmentation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The production of endoscopes and their Y-connectors is cost-intensive and challenging due to the need for complex moulding with core parts, particularly rotational core parts, which limits design freedom and increases tooling costs, making it difficult to assemble and replace components efficiently.
Innovation Solution
A modular endoscope design featuring a multi-piece Y-connector that can be separately produced and assembled, eliminating the need for rotational core mould pieces during production, allowing for easier assembly and replacement, and reducing tooling costs through a two-piece configuration that can be moulded without core mould pieces or with only straight core mould pieces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a Y-connector is integrally formed directly on the endoscope handle using complex moulding with rotational core parts, then the connector achieves a unified structure, but the production cost increases significantly and design freedom is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is divided into multiple separate components: a first component (Y-connector body) and a second component (cover element). These components are produced separately using simple moulding processes without requiring expensive rotational core parts, then assembled together to form the complete connector assembly, thereby reducing tooling costs while maintaining structural integrity
2Stability of the object's composition
If a Y-connector is integrally formed directly on the endoscope handle, then the connector structure is fixed, but the assembly and replacement of components becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is segmented into a first component and a second component that can be separately assembled and disassembled. The second component (cover element) can be removed to access the first component (Y-connector body) and the biopsy channel, enabling easy maintenance, cleaning, and replacement of internal components while maintaining the overall connector structure
3Manufacturing precision
If complex rotational core mould pieces are used to produce the Y-connector, then the connector geometry is achieved, but the tooling costs increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The connector production process is segmented into two separate moulding operations, each using simple straight core mould pieces instead of expensive rotational cores. The first component is moulded with a straight core, then the second component is moulded separately and assembled, achieving the required Y-connector geometry without requiring complex rotational core tooling
Solution Approach 2:
The second component (cover element) acts as an intermediary that, when assembled with the first component (Y-connector body), creates the complete connector geometry. This approach allows the complex Y-shape to be achieved through assembly of two simple components rather than through complex single-piece moulding
Data Source
AI summary
An endoscope, a method to make the endoscope, and a system including the endoscope and a monitor. The endoscope includes a distal tip; a handle; an insertion tube and a bending section, the insertion tube and the bending section connecting the handle and the distal tip; a working channel provided in the insertion tube and the bending section and extending from the handle towards the distal tip; a first part and a second part, the first part attachable to the second part to form a connector having a first channel with a first inlet opening, a second channel with a second inlet opening, the first channel joining with the second channel form a joint channel having an outlet opening to connect the first inlet opening and the second inlet opening with the outlet opening, the outlet opening in connection with the working channel.