Treatment Tool Power Input Section for Curved Inserting Sections
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing treatment tools face challenges in maintaining a consistent grip force at the end effector, particularly when the inserting section is curved or bent, due to decreased power transmission efficiency, which affects the ability to apply a constant amount of power to the end effector.
Innovation Solution
A treatment tool design featuring a flexible elongated inserting section with a power transmission wire that increases power input to the end effector in response to displacement during curvature or bending, utilizing an elastic member and a power input section to compensate for power loss by enhancing the pulling force, ensuring a constant grip force is maintained irrespective of the inserting section's angle.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the inserting section is curved or bent to access difficult-to-reach areas, then the adaptability and ease of operation are improved, but the power transmission efficiency to the end effector deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The power input section dynamically adjusts the power input parameter based on the displacement amount of the wire. When the inserting section is curved or bent, causing wire displacement, the system increases the power input to compensate for the reduced power transmission efficiency, thereby maintaining consistent grip force at the end effector
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs a feedback mechanism where the displacement amount of the wire is detected and used to control the power input section. The controller increases the power input in response to detected displacement, creating a closed-loop system that compensates for power loss due to curvature or bending of the inserting section
2Reliability
If the power input is increased to compensate for power loss during curvature, then the grip force consistency is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the displacement of the wire itself as the trigger for power adjustment. The wire's displacement directly activates the feedback mechanism that increases power input, eliminating the need for external sensors or complex control systems. The system essentially uses its own operational state to regulate its performance
3Reliability
If a limited pulling force mechanism is used to control grip force, then the safety and reliability are improved, but the adaptability to varying insertion angles deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from a static grip force limitation mechanism to a dynamic one. The power input is no longer fixed but varies dynamically based on the wire displacement caused by different insertion angles or curvatures. This allows the system to maintain consistent grip force across varying conditions while still preventing excessive force application
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 compensates for power loss due to curvature or bending, allowing the end effector to apply a consistent grip force, as demonstrated by maintaining grip force levels across varying curve angles, thereby ensuring reliable operation.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic member that connects the proximal end portion of the wire to the operation member, and generates an elastic force in a reverse direction to a direction of displacement of the proximal end portion of the wire by an operation of the operation member
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a treatment tool including an elongated inserting section that is curveable or bendable, a wire that is disposed from an end effector to a proximal end side of the inserting section through the inserting section, the end effector being connected to a tip of the inserting section, and a power input section that is disposed on the proximal end side of the inserting section and configured to input power to a proximal end portion of the wire, and the wire transmits, to the end effector, power to drive the end effector, and the power input section is configured to increase the power to be input into the proximal end portion of the wire in response to displacement of the proximal end portion of the wire in a longitudinal direction, the displacement accompanying a curve or bend of the inserting section.