Pivoting Endoscopic Tool Unit With Telescoping Reach
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing technoscopic instruments for machining surfaces in technical cavities require frequent and time-consuming tool changes to access different areas, leading to increased investment costs and reduced operational flexibility.
Innovation Solution
The technoscopic instrument incorporates a pivotable tool unit with an axially movable end section, enabled by a tension-resistant, flexible control element and separate adjustment units for pivoting and telescoping, allowing for increased reach without the need for multiple tools.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple different machining tools are provided to access different areas, then the working range is improved, but the device complexity and investment costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The tool unit is made dynamically adjustable through two independent adjustment units: one for pivoting the tool unit relative to the shaft, and another for telescoping the end section axially. This dynamic configuration allows a single tool to access multiple areas by changing its position and orientation, replacing the need for multiple fixed tools.
Solution Approach 2:
A single machining tool unit is designed to perform multiple functions by combining pivoting and telescoping capabilities. The tool unit can be positioned in various orientations and distances from the shaft, enabling one tool to replace multiple specialized tools for different access scenarios.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple different machining tools are provided to access different areas, then the working range is improved, but the loss of time for tool changes increases
Solution Approach 1:
The dynamic adjustment mechanism allows operators to change the tool unit's position and orientation in real-time during operation. Instead of stopping to exchange tools, the single tool unit can be quickly repositioned via the adjustment units, significantly reducing downtime and maintaining continuous operation.
3Area of stationary object
If the tool unit is made pivotable and telescoping, then the accessible area is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustment mechanism is segmented into two independent units: one for pivoting and one for telescoping. This segmentation allows each unit to perform its specific function with simple, focused mechanics rather than a complex integrated system, reducing overall device complexity while achieving the desired multi-position capability.
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
This design enhances the working range of the tool unit, reducing the necessity for frequent tool changes and minimizing investment costs by allowing targeted axial movement and pivoting, thereby expanding the accessible area effectively.
Implementation Method 1
an elongated control element, which is tensilely rigid, shear-resistant, and flexible transversely to its longitudinal axial extent
Implementation Method 2
an elongated control element, which is tensilely rigid, shear-resistant, and flexible transversely to its longitudinal axial extent
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2a~2b
Figure 3a~3b
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a technoscopic instrument (1) for machining surfaces in technical cavities, wherein the instrument (1) has a fixed, tubular shaft (7) and a tool unit (11) arranged distally on the shaft (7) for holding a machining tool (13) and is pivotable transversely to a longitudinal axis (37) of the shaft (7) by means of a joint (9), wherein the tool unit (11) is coupled for selective pivoting to a first adjustment unit (17) which is arranged proximally on the instrument (1).The pivotable tool unit (11) has an end section (43) arranged distal to the joint (9), which is axially displaceable and is coupled via an elongated control element (49), which is tensile rigid, shear rigid and flexible transversely to its longitudinal axial extension, to a second adjustment unit (23) arranged proximally on the instrument (1), which is independent and separate from the first adjustment unit (17), for selectively telescoping the end section (43).