Multi-disc brake for endoscope control wheel
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing endoscope control systems face challenges in providing a consistent and predictable braking torque for controlling the bending operation of endoscope tips, which is crucial for precise maneuvering within body cavities while ensuring safety and avoiding tissue damage.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a multi-disc brake system with a stack of at least three brake discs, which generates a high braking torque with relatively small dimensions, allowing for precise control and reduced risk of tissue injury, and can be manufactured using low-cost, injection-molded plastic components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional brake system is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the braking torque consistency and predictability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The brake system is segmented into multiple brake discs (at least three) arranged in a stack, where each disc contributes to the overall braking torque. This segmentation allows the torque to be distributed across multiple friction interfaces, improving consistency and predictability while maintaining manageable complexity through modular arrangement
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple brake discs are merged into a compact stack configuration, combining their friction surfaces to generate high braking torque within a small dimensional footprint. This merging approach achieves reliable and consistent torque delivery without proportionally increasing the overall device complexity
2Power
If a larger brake system is used to generate high braking torque, then the braking power is improved, but the device dimensions increase
Solution Approach 1:
The brake system transitions from a single-plane friction interface to a multi-layered stack configuration, utilizing the third dimension (axial direction) to stack multiple brake discs. This dimensional change allows high braking torque to be generated within a compact radial footprint, effectively increasing power without proportionally increasing overall volume
Solution Approach 2:
The brake system employs composite construction with multiple brake discs that can be made from different materials optimized for friction performance. This composite approach enables high braking torque generation in a compact package while allowing material selection to optimize both performance and size
3Reliability
If high-strength materials are used in the brake system, then the braking performance is improved, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The brake system is designed as a disposable component integrated into a single-use endoscope, eliminating the need for expensive, highly durable materials. The brake discs can be manufactured from lower-cost materials since they are designed for one-time use, significantly reducing manufacturing cost while maintaining adequate braking performance for the intended application lifecycle
Solution Approach 2:
The design parameters of the brake system (number of discs, friction surface area, actuation force) are optimized to achieve the required braking torque with lower-strength, lower-cost materials. By adjusting these parameters, the system maintains reliable braking performance without relying on expensive high-strength materials
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
The multi-disc brake system achieves a consistent and predictable brake torque, enabling precise control of the endoscope tip's bending operation, reducing the risk of tissue damage, and allowing for the use of lower-strength materials, thus enhancing safety and cost-effectiveness.
Implementation Method 1
a brake torque generated by the multi-disc brake in the braking state braking rotation of the control wheel
Data Source
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AI summary
An endoscope control system for performing a bending operation in a disposable insertion endoscope, the endoscope control system comprising: a control wheel connected to a wire drum for connection to a steering wire of the endoscope, whereby rotation of the control wheel controls the bending operation; and a multi-disc brake comprising a stack of at least three brake discs, wherein activation of the multi-disc brake changes the multi-disc brake from a released state to a braking state, a brake torque generated by the multi-disc brake in the braking state braking rotation of the control wheel, the brake torque in the released state being at least partially released.