Three-Wire Endoscope Steering for Compact Four-Way Bending
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing steerable endoscopes face challenges with limited construction space due to multiple steering wires, leading to bulky designs, reduced space for operational features, and high costs, particularly in four-way-bending mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A three-wire steering mechanism with input wheels and steering wires arranged at different angular positions, allowing two degrees of freedom and reducing assembly space, enabling a more ergonomic and cost-effective design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If four steering wires are provided for four-way-bending, then two degrees of freedom are provided for bending control, but the construction/assembly space in the insertion cord is reduced and the handle becomes bulkier
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts one steering wire from the traditional four-wire system, reducing the number of wires from four to three. This is achieved by reconfiguring the wire arrangement and control mechanism, where three wires distributed around the circumference can still provide two degrees of freedom for bending control through a different mechanical arrangement in the handle.
Solution Approach 2:
The three steering wires are arranged to perform multiple functions: they collectively provide two degrees of freedom for bending control (equivalent to four wires) while also reducing the overall space requirement. The wires are distributed evenly around the circumference at 120-degree intervals, allowing them to control bending in multiple directions through their coordinated arrangement.
2Adaptability or versatility
If three steering wires are provided with lever operators or servomotors, then four-way-bending is achieved, but the handle becomes heavier and bulkier with reduced space for operational features
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical systems (lever operators or servomotors) with a simpler wire-based mechanical linkage system. By using three steering wires connected to a reconfigured control mechanism in the handle, the system achieves four-way-bending capability without requiring bulky actuators or complex mechanical operators, thereby improving handle ergonomics.
3Reliability
If four steering wires are used, then complete control of bending section is provided, but the risk of full blockage increases and space for operational features is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes one steering wire from the four-wire system, reducing the total number of wires to three. This extraction is compensated by a reconfigured control mechanism that distributes the control functions across the three wires, maintaining bending control capability while reducing the risk of complete blockage and freeing up space for additional operational features.
4Ease of operation
If traditional four-wire system is used, then familiar control feel is provided, but construction/assembly space is limited and costs are high
Solution Approach 1:
The three steering wires are arranged to perform multiple control functions that traditionally required four wires. By distributing the wires evenly around the circumference and reconfiguring the control mechanism, the system maintains familiar bending control operation while reducing the number of components, thereby easing manufacturing and assembly requirements.
Data Source
AI summary
An endoscope and a system including the endoscope and a monitor. The endoscope includes a handle; an insertion cord including an insertion tube, a bending section and a distal tip unit and defining an insertion cord axis; a steering mechanism configured to swivel the distal tip unit and including: a first input wheel and a second input wheel, both rotatably supported by the handle; and a first steering wire, a second steering wire and a third steering wire, all steering wires provided for controlling a bending movement of the bending section, connected to the first input wheel and/or the second input wheel, and extending through the insertion cord, and each steering wire radially spaced from the insertion cord axis and angularly spaced with respect to each other in the circumferential direction of the insertion cord.