Non-Circular Collar Puncture Needle Device for Ultrasonic Endoscope
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing puncture needle devices for ultrasonic endoscopes face challenges in precisely controlling tilting and rotation due to the use of elastic materials, which lead to instability and inability to withstand large torques, resulting in unwanted movement and rotation.
Innovation Solution
A puncture needle device with a non-circular-shaped collar and collar receiving hole, along with a lock member and biasing mechanism, is designed to limit axial movement and rotational range, ensuring precise manipulation by engaging the collar with the collar receiving hole and using a biaser to maintain the locked position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If an elastic material (forceps plug) is used to connect the puncture needle device to the pipe sleeve, then the device can be easily assembled and disconnected, but tilting and rotation of the puncture needle device relative to the pipe sleeve cannot be limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs non-circular shaped collars and collar receiving holes to create asymmetric mechanical engagement. This asymmetric design prevents rotation of the puncture needle device relative to the pipe sleeve while maintaining easy assembly through the locking mechanism. The non-circular shapes ensure that the components can only be assembled in a specific orientation, thereby eliminating unwanted rotation.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection system is divided into separate functional elements: a locking mechanism with lock members, non-circular collars, and collar receiving holes. This segmentation allows the locking function to be independent from the assembly function, enabling easy assembly through the locking mechanism while providing rotational constraint through the non-circular engagement features.
2Device complexity
If frictional resistance between the forceps plug and the puncture needle device/pipe sleeve is used to limit rotation, then the structure remains simple, but the puncture needle device cannot withstand large torque and freely rotates
Solution Approach 1:
The non-circular collars and collar receiving holes create a mechanical interlocking system that provides high torque resistance without requiring complex structures. The asymmetric geometry directly engages the components, preventing rotation through geometric constraint rather than relying on friction alone. This maintains relative structural simplicity while dramatically improving torque resistance.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism with lock members engages the non-circular collars with the collar receiving holes in advance, establishing a predetermined mechanical engagement that prevents rotation before any torque is applied. This preliminary mechanical interlocking ensures that the system can withstand large torques without rotating, rather than relying on friction to resist torque during operation.
3Reliability
If a lock member mechanism is added to prevent movement in the axial direction, then the puncture needle device becomes securely attached, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lock members are designed to automatically engage with the non-circular collars when the puncture needle device is assembled to the pipe sleeve. The biasing mechanism provides automatic locking without requiring additional manual operations or complex control systems. The system serves itself by utilizing the assembly process to trigger the locking action, thereby achieving secure attachment without proportionally increasing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The non-circular collars and collar receiving holes serve multiple functions simultaneously: they prevent rotation, guide alignment during assembly, and provide engagement surfaces for the locking mechanism. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components for each function, thereby achieving reliable secure attachment while minimizing the increase in device complexity.
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 solution effectively prevents unwanted movement and rotation, allowing for precise manipulation of the puncture needle device, enhancing its stability and usability by ensuring it remains securely attached to the ultrasonic endoscope.
Implementation Method 1
a biaser positioned between the lock member and the cylindrical connecting body, for biasing the lock member to move toward the locked position
Data Source
AI summary
A puncture needle device detachably attached to an ultrasonic endoscope via a pipe sleeve including a non-circular collar, including a cylindrical connecting body into which the pipe sleeve is inserted, the cylindrical connecting body including an insertion limit portion which contacts the pipe sleeve to prevent it from being further inserted, and a non-circular collar receiving hole engaged with the collar and irrotatable relative thereto when the pipe sleeve is inserted; a sheath projecting from the cylindrical connecting body and inserted into an internal conduit of the ultrasonic endoscope; a puncture needle inserted into the sheath; and a lock member supported by the cylindrical connecting body and movable between an unlocked position allowing the pipe sleeve to insert and remove from the cylindrical connecting body, and a locked position wherein the lock member contacts the collar of the pipe sleeve to prevent it from removing from the cylindrical connecting body.