Variable Stiffness Flexible Tube Insertion for Endoscopy
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing flexible tube insertion apparatuses for endoscopic examinations face challenges in adapting to varying tube shapes and stiffness, leading to increased operator and patient load, as they rely on pre-defined insertion patterns and fixed flexibility variations.
Innovation Solution
A flexible tube insertion apparatus with segments having variable stiffness portions, controlled by a state detector and calculator, and a control device that adjusts stiffness in real-time based on the tube's shape and position, allowing for adaptive insertion without pre-defined patterns.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If pre-defined insertion patterns and fixed flexibility variations are used, then the device complexity is reduced and ease of operation is improved, but the adaptability to varying tube shapes and stiffness deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the insertion section's stiffness dynamically adjustable through multiple stiffness variable portions. Each portion can independently vary its stiffness based on real-time detection of tube shape and insertion progress, allowing the device to adapt to varying tube configurations rather than relying on pre-defined fixed patterns.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by varying the stiffness parameter of the insertion section in real-time. The control device adjusts the stiffness of each segment based on detected tube shape and position information, enabling adaptation to different tube geometries and stiffness characteristics without requiring complex pre-programmed insertion patterns.
2Productivity
If pre-defined insertion patterns are used, then the ease of operation is improved, but the insertion force increases and productivity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies feedback by using a state detector to continuously monitor the shape and position of the insertion section within the tube. This real-time information is fed back to the control device, which adjusts the stiffness of each segment accordingly, creating a closed-loop system that optimizes insertion efficiency while maintaining ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The insertion section performs self-service by automatically adjusting its own stiffness characteristics based on detected conditions. The stiffness variable portions respond autonomously to the mechanical environment, reducing the need for manual intervention and operator skill while maintaining high insertion efficiency.
3Reliability
If fixed flexibility variations are used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability in preventing intestinal wall damage deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the insertion section into multiple independent segments, each with its own stiffness variable portion. This allows localized adjustment of stiffness in specific regions, enabling the device to navigate complex tube geometries safely while maintaining overall structural integrity and reducing the risk of wall damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements local quality by allowing each segment to have independently controllable stiffness characteristics. The control device can apply different stiffness levels to different segments based on local tube conditions, optimizing both safety and performance without requiring complex global control mechanisms.
Data Source
AI summary
A flexible tube insertion apparatus includes an insertion section including a plurality of segments, a plurality of stiffness variable portions provided in the respective segments and configured to vary stiffness of the respective segments, and a state detector configured to detect a shape of the insertion section. The apparatus includes a state calculator configured to acquire a shape of a tube at a time when the insertion section advances into the tube, and configured to calculate a relative position of the segment to the tube, and a control device configured to control, based on the shape of the tube, the stiffness variable portion provided in the segment which is calculated the relative position to the tube by the state calculator.