Endoscope Wire-Sheath Fastener for Independent Bending Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing endoscopes with electrically driven bending mechanisms face interference issues due to the bending control portion and holding arm, making them difficult to use and inefficient for observation and treatment.
Innovation Solution
An endoscope design featuring first and second wire sheaths bundled by a fastener, allowing for independent advancement and retraction, which enhances the efficiency of observation and treatment by reducing interference and improving maneuverability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If an electrically driven bending mechanism is used to reduce surgeon fatigue, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases and interference with operation occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The bending mechanism is divided into multiple independent wire sheaths (first wire sheath, second wire sheath) that can be controlled separately. Each wire sheath contains bending wires that can be advanced or retracted independently, allowing segmented control of different bending sections without requiring complex integrated motors
Solution Approach 2:
The wire sheaths are designed to be dynamically adjustable through the fastener mechanism, allowing real-time modification of bundling strength and wire tension. This dynamic adjustment enables flexible control of bending forces without fixed mechanical constraints
2Stability of the object's composition
If a holding arm is used to support the bending control portion, then the stability is improved, but interference with operation occurs and ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The bending control mechanism is extracted from a fixed holding arm structure and redistributed into flexible wire sheaths that pass through the endoscope body. This eliminates the external holding arm that caused interference while maintaining bending control stability through internal wire tension
3Strength
If wire sheaths are bundled tightly to improve structural integrity, then the strength is improved, but the ability to independently advance and retract wires deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
A fastener is introduced as an intermediary component between the first wire sheath and second wire sheath. This fastener provides controlled connection that maintains structural integrity through bundling while allowing independent adjustment of each wire sheath's tension and position, enabling both strength and independent movement
Data Source
AI summary
An endoscope includes: an insertion portion having a joint; a first wire and a second wire fixed on both sides of a central axis in a longitudinal direction of the joint at a distal end of the joint; a first wire sheath which is inserted through an internal path of the insertion portion and through which the first wire is inserted; and a second wire sheath which is inserted through the internal path of the insertion portion and through which the second wire is inserted, wherein the first wire sheath is bundled by a first fastener so as to be close to the second wire sheath, and the first wire sheath and the second wire sheath are bundled so as to be relatively advancing and retreating by the first fastener.