Bidirectional Self-Locking Knob for Endoscope Angulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current endoscope designs pose ergonomic challenges, leading to musculoskeletal overuse injuries in gastroenterologists due to high forces required to turn angulation control knobs, which cannot self-lock in real-time, necessitating sustained exertion and increasing the risk of repetitive strain injuries.
Innovation Solution
A bidirectional self-locking mechanism with knob masks and a ratchet-based or detent-based self-locking mechanism that allows rotation in either direction and locks the angulation control knobs at set positions, reducing the strain on the operator's thumb and improving access to the knobs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the endoscope uses traditional angulation control knobs without self-locking mechanism, then the device structure remains simple, but the operator must sustain continuous muscle exertion to maintain knob positions, leading to musculoskeletal overuse injuries
Solution Approach 1:
The angulation control knob incorporates a self-locking mechanism that automatically locks the knob at predetermined positions during rotation, eliminating the need for the operator to sustain continuous muscle exertion to maintain knob positions. The mechanism serves itself by providing automatic positioning and locking functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The control mechanism is segmented into distinct functional components: the rotatable knob, the self-locking mechanism with pawls, the ratchet teeth on the transmission shaft, and the spring-loaded detents. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently while working together to reduce operator strain.
2Strength
If the endoscope knob requires high force to turn, then the scope can maintain flexion against natural recoil, but this exceeds the safety threshold for thumb force (13.8 Newtons), causing repetitive strain injuries
Solution Approach 1:
The self-locking mechanism converts continuous rotational motion into periodic locking actions at predetermined positions. The spring-loaded detents engage with ratchet teeth at specific intervals during rotation, providing periodic locking rather than continuous resistance. This reduces the peak force required from the operator's thumb.
Solution Approach 2:
The manual force-based control system is substituted with a mechanical self-locking system using pawls, ratchet teeth, and spring-loaded detents. This mechanical substitution automatically provides the necessary holding force without requiring the operator to continuously apply high thumb force.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the endoscope uses switch locks to maintain knob positions, then the flexed position can be locked, but the operator must use a second hand to engage the switch and cannot continue turning the knob after locking
Solution Approach 1:
The angulation control knob automatically performs the locking function during rotation without requiring a separate switching action by a second hand. The self-locking mechanism with pawls and ratchet teeth engages automatically at predetermined positions, allowing the operator to maintain one-hand operation throughout the procedure.
Solution Approach 2:
The self-locking mechanism is pre-configured with spring-loaded detents and ratchet teeth that are ready to engage at predetermined positions during rotation. This preliminary preparation allows immediate locking without requiring a separate switching action, enabling continuous one-hand operation.
4Stability of the object's composition
If the endoscope knob increases resistance after switch lock engagement, then the locked position is maintained, but it becomes very difficult to continue turning the knob
Solution Approach 1:
The self-locking mechanism provides periodic locking at predetermined positions rather than continuous resistance. The spring-loaded detents engage with ratchet teeth only at specific intervals during rotation, allowing smooth continuous turning between locked positions while maintaining stability at each predetermined position.
Solution Approach 2:
The resistance characteristic of the control mechanism is made dynamic rather than static. The spring-loaded detents provide variable resistance: low resistance during rotation between locked positions and high resistance only when engaging the locked positions. This dynamic characteristic enables both continuous rotation and stable positioning.
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 significantly reduces the force and muscle activation required to operate the endoscope, minimizing the risk of repetitive strain injuries and enhancing ergonomic comfort, while allowing seamless integration with existing endoscope systems, thus improving precision and patient safety.
Implementation Method 1
a self-locking mechanism comprising an at least one pawl member that communicates with the at least one tooth-like protrusion of the angulation control knob masks to lock the endoscope angulation control knob position in place
Implementation Method 2
one or more toggles that provide engagement with the at least one pawl member while disengaging with its adjacent pawl member
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to an ergonomic bidirectional self-locking mechanism for endoscope angulation control knob operation, which allows for easier access to the endoscope control knobs, reduced muscle exertion for knob operation, and real-time locking of the position of the knobs when turned, as disclosed herein. The invention has benefits for the operator thereof from ergonomic and patient safety perspectives.