Endoscope U-Shaped Steering Wire for Lower Stress Concentration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional endoscopes face issues with high stress concentration at the connection points of steering wires, leading to potential failure and increased complexity, weight, and cost, making them less suitable for single-use applications in emergency medicine and mobile settings.
Innovation Solution
A single steering wire with a U-shaped intermediate portion is used, where both branches are attached to the same operating element, allowing the tip to be moved in different directions by applying drag forces to each branch separately, reducing stress concentration through frictional forces and eliminating the need for anchors, resulting in a lightweight, easy-to-assemble design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If multiple single steering wires are used to move the tip in different directions, then the steering function is achieved, but high stress concentration appears at the connection points leading to potential failure
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple steering wires are merged into a single multi-branched steering wire that integrates the functions of multiple individual wires. The single wire has multiple branches that can be independently actuated to move the tip in different directions, eliminating the need for multiple separate wires and their respective connection points, thereby reducing stress concentration and potential failure points.
Solution Approach 2:
The single steering wire is segmented into multiple branches, each capable of independent actuation. This segmentation allows the wire to perform multiple steering functions while maintaining a unified structure that reduces stress concentration at the connection points compared to multiple separate wires.
2Strength
If anchors or crimps are used to fix the steering wire to the tip, then the connection strength is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The complex anchor or crimp components are extracted and removed from the design. Instead of using separate fixation elements, the steering wire is directly integrated with the tip through a simplified connection structure that maintains sufficient strength while reducing device complexity and manufacturing cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection function is merged into the basic structure of the steering wire and tip assembly. The wire and tip are designed to work together as an integrated unit, eliminating the need for separate anchor or crimp components and simplifying the overall construction.
3Ease of operation
If traditional steering wire arrangements are used, then the steering capability is achieved, but the endoscope weight and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple steering wires are combined into a single multi-branched wire structure, reducing the total amount of material and the number of components. This merging significantly reduces the weight of the endoscope while maintaining full steering capability through the multiple independently actuated branches.
Solution Approach 2:
Excess material and redundant components from traditional multi-wire designs are discarded. The single multi-branched wire design uses less material while achieving the same functional outcomes, thereby reducing weight and manufacturing cost.
4Ease of operation
If multiple steering wires are used for single-use endoscopes, then the steering function is provided, but the complexity and cost make them less suitable for single-use applications
Solution Approach 1:
The manufacturing process is simplified by merging multiple separate wire assembly steps into a single integrated wire structure. The single multi-branched steering wire can be manufactured as one piece or pre-assembled unit, reducing the number of assembly operations and making the endoscope more suitable for single-use applications where manufacturing efficiency is critical.
Solution Approach 2:
The steering wire is segmented into branches that can be independently configured, allowing for modular manufacturing approaches that simplify production while maintaining full steering functionality. This segmentation enables easier quality control and assembly in single-use device manufacturing.
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 provides a robust, lightweight, and cost-effective endoscope with reduced stress concentration, enhanced durability, and simplified assembly, suitable for single-use applications in emergency medicine and mobile environments.
Implementation Method 1
reducing stress concentration through frictional forces
Data Source
AI summary
An endoscope including at least one operating element, a steerable deflecting element located at the distal end, an endoscope tip, and a steering wire having a first portion, a second portion and an intermediate portion, wherein the intermediate portion is attached to the deflecting element or to the endoscope tip, operation of the at least one operating element to apply a drag force to the first portion moving the endoscope tip in a first direction, and operation of the at least one operating element or another operating element to apply a drag force to the second portion moves the endoscope tip in a second direction different from the first direction, and/or wherein the intermediate portion of the steering tie element is at least in part received in a clearance provided at/in a distal end portion of the deflecting element and/or at/in the endoscope tip.