Endoscope control unit with braking system

Abstract

A control unit that includes a braking system for fixing the position of an endoscope tip is provided. The control system includes an up-down control knob and a right-left control knob. The brakes are engaged by rotating the control knob itself counter-clockwise from a free wheeling position. After the brakes have been engaged, a sufficient amount of force applied to the control knobs will move the endoscope tip slightly in the corresponding direction, allowing for fine tuning of tip position after braking.

Claims

1. An endoscope system, comprising: an articulation actuator; a shaft coupled to the articulation actuator; and a braking system, comprising: a braking lid, a braking disc configured to move between an extended position, wherein the braking disc is engaged with the braking lid, and a retracted position, wherein the braking disc is disengaged from the braking lid, a braking bushing, wherein said braking bushing receives said braking disc, a biasing member configured to bias the braking bushing, and a braking actuator, wherein the braking actuator is configured to provide relative rotation between said braking bushing and said braking lid; wherein said braking bushing is received within said biasing member.

2. The endoscope system of claim 1, wherein said braking bushing comprises indentations configured to receive protrusions of said braking lid, wherein the braking bushing is rotatable relative to the braking lid between a first configuration, wherein the indentations and the protrusions are out of alignment, thereby causing said braking bushing to compress said biasing member, and a second configuration, wherein the indentations receive the protrusions, thereby allowing the biasing member to decompress.

3. The endoscope system of claim 1, wherein said braking actuator is configured to rotate said braking lid.

4. The endoscope system of claim 1, wherein said shaft is coupled to said braking disc.

5. The endoscope system of claim 1, wherein a space is defined between opposing surfaces of said braking lid and said braking disc when said braking disc is in said retracted position.

6. The endoscope system of claim 2, wherein said protrusions are at an outer periphery of said braking lid, and wherein said indentations are at an outer periphery of said braking bushing.

7. The endoscope system of claim 2, wherein the shaft is received in the braking lid.

8. The endoscope system of claim 2, wherein the biasing member is in a compressed state when the braking disc is in the retracted position, and wherein the biasing member is in a decompressed state relative to the compressed state, when the braking disc is in the extended position.

9. The endoscope system of claim 2, wherein the braking actuator is configured to align, through relative rotation between the braking bushing and the braking lid, the braking bushing with the braking lid, such that decompression of the biasing member pushes the braking disc into the extended position.

10. An endoscope system, comprising: an insertion tube; a steering knob for articulating a section of said insertion tube; a steering shaft coupled to said steering knob, wherein said steering knob and said steering shaft are coupled, such that rotation of said steering knob causes rotation of said steering shaft; and a braking system, said braking system comprising: a lid, a disc configured to move between an extended position, wherein said disc is engaged with said lid, and a retracted position, wherein said disc is disengaged from said lid, a bushing, wherein said bushing receives said shaft and said disc, a biasing member configured to bias said bushing, and an actuator, wherein said actuator is configured to provide relative rotation between said bushing and said lid to align said bushing with said lid; wherein said actuator is configured to rotate said lid.

11. The endoscope system of claim 10, wherein said shaft is coupled to said disc.

12. The endoscope system of claim 10, wherein a space is defined between opposing surfaces of said lid and said disc when said disc is in said retracted position.

13. The endoscope system of claim 10, wherein said bushing and said lid are aligned when at least one protrusion of said lid is received within at least one indentation of said bushing.

14. The endoscope system of claim 10, wherein the braking system is received in the steering knob, and wherein the braking system is movable relative to the steering knob and the steering shaft.

15. The endoscope system of claim 10, wherein the biasing member is in a compressed state when the disc is in the retracted position, and wherein the biasing member is in a decompressed state, relative to the compressed state, when the disc is in the extended position.

16. The endoscope system of claim 10, wherein the actuator is configured to, through relative rotation between the bushing and the lid, decompress the biasing member such that decompression of the biasing member pushes the disc into the extended position.

17. An endoscope system, comprising: an insertion tube; a steering knob for articulating a section of said insertion tube; a first articulation actuator; a first shaft coupled to the first articulation actuator; a first sleeve coupled to the steering knob, wherein the first shaft is received in the first sleeve and wherein the steering knob and the first sleeve are coupled, such that rotation of said steering knob causes rotation of said first sleeve; a first braking system configured to brake the first articulation actuator, said first braking system comprising: a first braking actuator, wherein the first braking actuator includes a pin received in the first shaft, and at least one brake body, wherein the at least one brake body extends radially outward from said pin, and wherein the pin and the at least one brake body are engaged, such that movement of the pin, via actuation of the first braking actuator, is configured to move the at least one brake body between a retracted position and an extended position; a second articulation actuator; and a second braking system configured to brake the second articulation actuator, the second braking system comprising: a braking lid, a braking disc configured to move between an extended position, wherein the braking disc is engaged with the braking lid, and a retracted position, wherein the braking disc is disengaged from the braking lid, a braking bushing, a biasing member configured to bias the braking bushing, and a second braking actuator, wherein the second braking actuator is configured to provide relative rotation between said braking bushing and said braking lid, such that decompression of said biasing member pushes said braking disc into the extended position.

18. The endoscope system of claim 17, wherein the braking bushing is received within the biasing member.

19. the endoscope system of claim 17, wherein the second braking actuator is configured to rotate the braking lid.

20. The endoscope system of claim 17, wherein the at least one brake body presses against a first sleeve when the at least one brake body is in the extended position.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) These and other features and advantages of the present invention will be appreciated, as they become better understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in connection with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

(2) FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a distal end of a multi-viewing elements endoscope, in accordance with an embodiment of the present specification;

(3) FIG. 2 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a bending section of a multi-viewing elements endoscope, in accordance with an embodiment of the present specification;

(4) FIG. 3 illustrates a multi-viewing elements endoscopy system, in accordance with an embodiment of the present specification;

(5) FIG. 4A illustrates a cross-sectional view of a handle of an endoscope comprising a braking system, in accordance with an embodiment of the present specification;

(6) FIG. 4B illustrates a close-up cross-sectional view of an alternative arrangement of a first shaft and a first stationary sleeve within a control unit, in accordance with an embodiment of the present specification;

(7) FIG. 4C illustrates an enlarged cross-sectional view of the first shaft within the control unit depicted in FIG. 4B;

(8) FIG. 4D illustrates a perspective view of the respective positions of three brake bodies within a first shaft, in accordance with some embodiments of the present specification;

(9) FIG. 5A illustrates an embodiment of a latching mechanism incorporated in an endoscope braking system facilitating freewheeling and arrest operation for controlling the right-left movement of the endoscope tip, depicting a control pin in a first position;

(10) FIG. 5B illustrates the embodiment of the latching mechanism incorporated in an endoscope braking system of FIG. 5A, depicting the control pin in a second position;

(11) FIG. 6A illustrates cross-sectional side and top down views of one embodiment of a portion of a braking system for controlling an up-down (U-D) movement of an endoscope tip, depicting a brake handle in a first position;

(12) FIG. 6B illustrates cross-sectional side and top down views of the embodiment of a portion of a braking system for controlling an up-down (U-D) movement of an endoscope tip of FIG. 6A, depicting the brake handle in a second position;

(13) FIG. 6C illustrates cross-sectional side and top down views of one embodiment of a handle of an endoscope, depicting an up-down (U-D) braking system disengaged; and,

(14) FIG. 6D illustrates cross-sectional side and top down views of the embodiment of the handle of an endoscope of FIG. 6C, depicting the up-down (U-D) braking system engaged.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

(15) In one embodiment, the present specification discloses an endoscope having a tip section equipped with multiple viewing elements. In one embodiment, a braking system for fixing a tip of the endoscope in a desired position is provided.

(16) In an embodiment, the endoscope of the present specification comprises a handle from which an elongated shaft emerges. The elongated shaft terminates with a tip section which is turnable by way of a bending section. In an embodiment, the endoscope comprises a plurality of steering cable eyes, positioned on the internal walls of the bending section. Through these eyes, steering cables are threaded to enable the maneuvering of the bending section comprising the tip of the endoscope. In an embodiment, the handle is used for maneuvering the elongated shaft within a body cavity by means of one or more knobs which control the bending section. In an embodiment, the braking system of the present specification ensures that a directional readjustment of right and left (or up and down) movement of the endoscope tip is possible. Further, the movement of the endoscope tip in the right-left direction or the up-down direction can be arrested using the braking system.

(17) The present specification is directed towards multiple embodiments. The following disclosure is provided in order to enable a person having ordinary skill in the art to practice the invention. Language used in this specification should not be interpreted as a general disavowal of any one specific embodiment or used to limit the claims beyond the meaning of the terms used therein. The general principles defined herein may be applied to other embodiments and applications without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Also, the terminology and phraseology used is for the purpose of describing exemplary embodiments and should not be considered limiting. Thus, the present invention is to be accorded the widest scope encompassing numerous alternatives, modifications and equivalents consistent with the principles and features disclosed. For purpose of clarity, details relating to technical material that is known in the technical fields related to the invention have not been described in detail so as not to unnecessarily obscure the present invention.

(18) Referring to FIG. 1, a perspective view of a distal end of a multi-viewing elements endoscope 100, in accordance with an embodiment of the present specification, is shown. A tip section 107 of the endoscope 100 includes therein a front-pointing viewing element 104 for capturing images through a hole in a distal end surface 106 of the tip section.

(19) A discrete front illuminator 108, which is, in an embodiment, a light-emitting diode (LED), is associated with front-pointing viewing element 104 and used for illuminating its field of view through another hole in distal end surface 106.

(20) A front fluid injector 110 is used for cleaning at least one of front-pointing viewing element 104 and discrete front illuminator 108. In one embodiment, front fluid injector 110 further includes a nozzle 110e for directing fluid toward at least one of front-pointing viewing element 104 and discrete front illuminator 108. Distal end surface 106 further includes a hole defining a working channel 112, which may be a hollow tube configured for insertion of a surgical tool to operate on various tissues. A pathway fluid injector 114, defined by another hole in distal end surface 106, is used for inflating and/or cleaning the body cavity into which endoscope 100 is inserted.

(21) Tip section 107 further comprises therein a side-pointing viewing element 116 used for capturing images through a hole in a cylindrical surface 105 of the tip section 107. A discrete side illuminator 122, which is optionally similar to discrete front illuminator 108, in one embodiment, is associated with side-pointing viewing element 116 and used for illuminating its field of view through another hole in cylindrical surface 105.

(22) A side fluid injector 120 is used for cleaning at least one of side-pointing viewing element 116 and discrete side illuminator 122. In one embodiment, side fluid injector 120 further includes a nozzle 120e for directing fluid toward at least one of side-pointing viewing element 116 and discrete side illuminator 122. In order to prevent tissue damage when cylindrical surface 105 of tip section 107 contacts a side wall of the body cavity, side fluid injector 120 and side-pointing viewing element 116, in one embodiment, are located in a depression 118 in the cylindrical surface 105. In an alternative configuration (not shown), one or more discrete side illuminators may also be included in the depression, so that fluid injected from the side fluid injector reaches them. In yet another configuration (not shown), a side-pointing viewing element, one or more side illuminators and a side fluid injector may not be located in a depression, but rather be on essentially the same level as the cylindrical surface of the tip section. Further, in other embodiments, another side-pointing viewing element, one or more additional side illuminators, and another side fluid injector are positioned, within a depression or on the surface level, on another side or on the opposite side of the cylindrical surface from side pointing viewing element 116.

(23) Reference is now made to FIG. 2, which shows a cross-sectional view of a bending section 200 of a multi-viewing elements endoscope, such as multi-viewing elements endoscope 100 of FIG. 1. A plurality of steering cable eyes, such as four eyes 208, are positioned on the internal walls of bending section 200. Through these eyes 208, steering cables are threaded to enable the maneuvering of bending section 200.

(24) Bending section 200, in an embodiment, comprises a working channel 202, through which surgical tools are inserted, a fluid channel 206, through which fluids and/or liquids are infused, and an electrical channel 204 with a plurality of electrical cables threaded through it, for transmitting video signals from the viewing elements and for supplying power to the viewing elements and the discrete illuminators.

(25) Reference is now made to FIG. 3, which shows a multi-viewing elements endoscopy system 300. System 300 comprises a multi-viewing elements endoscope 302. Multi-viewing elements endoscope 302 comprises a handle 304 from which an elongated shaft 306 emerges. Elongated shaft 306 terminates with a tip section 308 which is turnable by way of a bending section 310. In an embodiment, handle 304 is used for maneuvering elongated shaft 306 within a body cavity; the handle comprises one or more knobs and/or switches 305 which control bending section 310 as well as functions such as fluid injection and suction. Handle 304 further comprises a working channel opening 312 through which surgical tools are inserted.

(26) A utility cable 314 connects handle 304 and a controller 316. Utility cable 314 comprises therein one or more fluid channels and one or more electrical channels. The electrical channel(s) comprises at least one data cable for receiving video signals from the front and side-pointing viewing elements, as well as at least one power cable for providing electrical power to the viewing elements and to the discrete illuminators.

(27) In an embodiment, one or more input devices, such as a keyboard 318, is connected to controller 316 for the purpose of human interaction with the controller 316. Also in an embodiment, a display 320 is connected to controller 316 and configured to display images and/or video streams received from the viewing elements of multi-viewing elements endoscope 302.

(28) FIG. 4A shows a cross section of an exemplary embodiment of a control unit 4010 for an endoscope. The control unit 4010 is incorporated into the handle of the endoscope. This example exhibits a locking or braking means for the movements right-left (R-L) as well as up-down (U-D). It would be appreciated that the operating elements are of concentric design and thus permit simple and intuitive operation.

(29) The control unit 4010 comprises a first shaft 4020 that is connected at its proximal end to a first operating knob 4030. At its distal end, the shaft 4020 is connected to a first cable drum 4040. The cable drum 4040 is attached to a first cable pair (not shown), which is further attached with an articulation unit (not shown) of the endoscope. As explained earlier, the deflection of the articulation unit can be controlled for manoeuvring and fixing the position of the endoscope tip. In an embodiment, the first cable pair connected to the cable drum 4040 is arranged for moving the articulation unit in the direction R-L or U-D. If, for example, the first cable pair is arranged to provide a R-L movement, the corresponding movement of the articulation unit can be triggered by moving the first operating knob 4030.

(30) In one embodiment, at least a part of the first shaft 4020 is designed as a hollow shaft in the area of the first operating knob 4030. In one embodiment, at least one radial opening is provided in the wall of the hollow shaft, which is occupied by a brake body 4090. The brake body 4090 can be shifted radially in the opening. In one embodiment, a plurality of brake bodies 4090 is provided.

(31) In one embodiment, to achieve locking of the first shaft 4020, a brake knob 4005 of concentric design is provided above the first operating knob 4030. The brake knob 4005 is rotatable about its center axis. The braking system further comprises a first pin 4110 that extends into the hollow section of the first shaft 4020. The first pin 4110 is mounted to counter the force of a first spring 4100 that is supported on the first shaft 4020. Here the components are arranged relative to each other such that the first pin 4110 can be forced out of the hollow-shaft section by means of the first spring 4100. The first pin 4110 further exhibits a tapered section 4115 that receives the brake body/bodies 4090 in a first position. This first position of the brake body 4090 is shown in FIG. 4A.

(32) The first pin 4110 can be moved from this first position into a second position by means of translation and/or rotation, counter to the force of the first spring 4100 that is supported on the first shaft 4020. When moved from the first position to the second position, the first pin 4110 acts on the brake body 4090 in such a manner that it is partly forced downward through the opening of the shaft 4020 and is pressed against a first stationary sleeve 4080 that is arranged between the first shaft 4020 and a second shaft 4050.

(33) This frictional connection between the brake body 4090 and the first stationary sleeve 4080 locks the first shaft 4020, thus braking the articulation unit in the R-L direction. It would be appreciated that the setting of the articulation unit relative to the R-L direction can be readjusted or finally adjusted after braking by overcoming the friction of the brake body 4090 and the first stationary sleeve 4080, wherein the level of the frictional force is predetermined by the pretension of the first spring 4100 that puts pressure on the first pin 4110 in an upward direction out of the hollow-shaft section.

(34) In one embodiment, the first pin 4110 is held in the first position in a latching device that has to be overcome initially for the first pin 4110 to be brought into the second position. This allows the user operating the control unit to receive a touch-feedback on tightening and releasing the brake.

(35) FIG. 4B illustrates a close-up cross-sectional view of an alternative arrangement of a first shaft 4020a and a first stationary sleeve 4080a within a control unit 4010a, in accordance with an embodiment of the present specification. FIG. 4C illustrates an expanded cross-sectional view of the first shaft 4020a within the control unit 4010a depicted in FIG. 4B. Referring now to FIGS. 4B and 4C simultaneously, a first shaft 4020a and a first stationary sleeve 4080a arrangement are shown within control unit 4010a. In an embodiment, a proximal portion of first shaft 4020a includes a space 4006. In some embodiments, space 4006 is configured to receive first pin 4110a. In various embodiments, the first pin 4110a comprises an elongated member having an external surface area configured to be slidably received within space 4006. First pin 4110a is sized such that it is capable of rotating within space 4006. In one embodiment, first pin 4110a further comprises a tapered section 4115a that includes one or more pin openings 4002a configured to receive brake body/bodies 4090a in a first position. In another embodiment (not shown), the section of the first pin including one or more pin openings is not tapered.

(36) This first position of the brake body 4090a is shown in FIG. 4B, wherein the braking mechanism is engaged. In one embodiment, at least one radial shaft opening 4112a is provided in the first shaft 4020a, such that radial shaft opening 4112a is aligned with pin opening 4002a of pin 4110a. In various embodiments, radial shaft opening 4112a is elongated and cylindrically shaped. In various embodiments, the brake body 4090a comprises an elongate member sized to fit within said radial shaft opening 4112a. Brake body 4090a may be perpendicularly aligned to the first shaft 4020a and first pin 4110a. Pin opening 4002a may support the alignment of brake body 4090a such that brake body 4090a extends perpendicularly outwards from the first pin 4110a. Brake body 4090a can be shifted longitudinally and radially relative to the first stationary sleeve 4080a.

(37) Rotational movement of the brake knob 4005a in a first direction is translated into distal movement of the first pin 4110a into space 4006, resulting in the brake body/bodies 4090a sliding within said radial shaft opening 4112a and said pin opening 4002a and shifting distally within said space 4006. As the brake bodies 4090a shift distally, they come into contact with an inner surface 4081a of said first stationary sleeve 4080a, enabling the locking mechanism. Rotational movement of the brake knob 4005a in a second direction opposite said first direction moves allows the compression force of spring 4100a to push said first pin 4110a in a proximal direction, resulting in sliding movement and proximal movement of said brake body/bodies 4090a away from said inner surface 4081a, eliminating the contact between said brake body/bodies 4090a and said sleeve 4080a, thus disabling the braking mechanism. Though sleeve 4080a is depicted in FIG. 4B as having a varying wall thickness, other embodiments are envisioned wherein sleeve 4080a has a consistent wall thickness throughout its length, and wall thickness is not intended to contribute to the functioning of the braking mechanism.

(38) In one embodiment, a plurality of brake bodies 4090a is provided, each through a different shaft opening 4112a and pin opening 4002a. Referring to FIG. 4D, in an embodiment having three brake bodies 4090a, the central axis of any one of the three brake bodies 4090a is positioned approximately 120 degrees from the central axis of the adjacent brake body 4090a. FIG. 4D illustrates a perspective view of the respective positions of three brake bodies 4090a within first shaft 4020a, in accordance with some embodiments of the specification. Elongated brake bodies 4090a extend radially outwards through pin openings 4002a in the wall of first shaft 4020a. In other embodiments, the control unit includes two, three, or more brake bodies.

(39) In the embodiments depicted in FIGS. 4B through 4D, brake body 4090a is slightly elongated as compared to the brake body 4090 depicted in FIG. 4A. In addition, a width of the first shaft 4020a is increased relative to a width of shaft 4020 of FIG. 4A to accommodate the longer brake bodies 4090a. An elongated length 4004 of brake body 4090a provides increased torque for braking. In embodiments, brake body 4090 may have a length in the range of 3-4 millimetres (mm). In various embodiments, elongated brake body 4090a may have a length between 4 to 10 mm, between 7 to 8 mm, or any other length in the range of 4 to 10 mm. Radial opening 4002a within the wall of first shaft 4020a extends along a thickness 4004 of wall of first shaft 4020a. In embodiments, thickness 4004 must be sufficient to support the length of brake body 4090a. Therefore, thickness 4004 may be similar to length of brake body 4090a.

(40) FIGS. 5A and 5B illustrate a latching mechanism 5000 incorporated in the endoscope braking system for facilitating freewheeling and arrest operation for controlling the right-left movement of the endoscope tip, in accordance with an embodiment of the present specification. In one embodiment, as is shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B, holding the first pin 5110 in the latching mechanism can be achieved by having a control pin 5113 that extends outwardly from an outer surface of the first pin 5110. The control pin 5113 is received in a control section or groove 5114 that extends in a spiral form from a lower portion to an upper portion in the shaft 5020 and at the same time effects a rotation and a shift. Basically, the control section 5114 is formed as a guide introduced into the wall of the shaft 5020. A recess 5115 is formed in the lower portion of the guide into which the control pin 5113 can latch on account of the force of the first spring and be pressed out again therefrom. FIGS. 5A and 5B illustrate a first and a second position of the control pin 5113 within the control section 5114, respectively. Referring to FIG. 5A, the control pin 5113 is in the first position and free to move within the guide of the control section 5114. When the control pin 5113 is in the first position, the first spring (4100 in FIG. 4) is relaxed, the shaft 5020 does not press against the first stationary sleeve (4080 in FIG. 4), and R-L braking is not engaged. Referring to FIG. 5B, the control pin 5113 is in the second position, engaged within the recess 5115 of the control section 5114. When the control pin 5113 is in the second position, the first spring (4100 in FIG. 4) is compressed, the shaft 5020 is pressed against the first stationary sleeve (4080 in FIG. 4), and R-L braking is engaged.

(41) Referring back to FIG. 4, the control unit 4010 exhibits a second shaft 4050 that is connected at its proximal end to a second operating knob 4060 and at its distal end to a second cable drum 4070 for attaching a second cable pair (not shown) that is attached with the articulation unit (not shown). The cable pair that is connected to the second cable drum 4070 is designed to move the articulation unit in the direction U-D, such that a U-D movement of the articulation unit can be effected by moving the second operating knob 4060.

(42) In one embodiment, the second shaft 4050 is advantageously designed as a hollow shaft and the first shaft 4020/4020a is positioned within, or penetrates, the second shaft 4050, providing a concentric design. In various embodiments, a compact control unit is obtained due to this concentric design.

(43) The second operating knob 4060 exhibits a braking device wherein the second shaft 4050 is in contact with a brake disc 4120. In one embodiment, the brake disc 4120 can be fixed up to a predetermined desired degree by means of a frictional connection.

(44) In one embodiment, at least a section of the second shaft 4050 is surrounded by a second stationary sleeve 4130 and a brake base 4075 (also seen in FIGS. 6A and 6B) that exhibits a first control edge. Further, a brake lid 4140 is provided that is mounted to counter the force of a second spring 4150 that is supported about the second stationary sleeve 4130, and exhibits a second control edge that supports the second spring 4150 between itself and the first control edge of the base 4075. A brake bushing 4195 is also positioned between the brake lid 4140 and brake base 4075 and can be brought from a first position into a second position by means of translation and/or rotation counter to the force of the spring 4150 that is supported on the second stationary sleeve 4130. In one embodiment, said translation and/or rotation is effectuated by rotation of a brake handle 4014. On account of the geometry resulting from the control edges, the brake bushing 4195 in the first position does not produce any effect on the brake disc 4120, while in the second position, the brake bushing 4195 exerts pressure on the brake disc 4120 and thus fixes the position of the second shaft 4050.

(45) The braking process is particularly effective if the brake disc 4120 is clamped in between the brake lid 4140 and the second stationary sleeve 4130, or if a further brake element is connected to it.

(46) This frictional connection between the brake disc 4120 and the brake lid 4140 and brake bushing 4195 locks the second shaft 4050 and thus the setting of the articulation unit in the U-D direction. Here, too, the level of the frictional force is predetermined by the pretension of the second spring 4150 that presses the brake bushing 4195 against the brake disc 4120.

(47) In one embodiment, a sealing element exists between the first shaft 4020/4020a and the first stationary sleeve 4080/4080a. Also, since the brake lid 4140 is part of a housing that surrounds the brake disc 4120, it is sealed using sealing means, so that both locking devices are protected against the ingress of moisture.

(48) This produces a control unit 4010 that is simple in design and watertight, and maintains a haptically recognisable separation between freewheeling and locking and is easy to operate.

(49) In various embodiments, five components, namely, a brake bushing, a brake drum, a brake disc, a second compression spring and a lid are responsible for causing a braking action arresting a movement of the endoscope tip in a U-D direction. FIGS. 6A and 6B illustrate cross-sectional side views and top down views of a portion of the braking system of an endoscope causing a freewheeling and arrest operation of the endoscope tip in an up-down (U-D) direction, in accordance with an embodiment of the present specification.

(50) As illustrated in FIGS. 6A and 6B, all components of the braking system are arranged in parallel. A brake bushing 6002 and a lid 6004 are shaped with negative indentations 6006 and positive indentations, or protrusions 6009, respectively. A brake disc 6008 is positioned between the brake bushing 6002 and the lid 6004 and all the three parts are compressed by a second compression spring 6007.

(51) In a freewheeling position, as seen in FIG. 6A, the negative indentations 6006 of the brake bushing 6002 and the protrusions 6009 of the lid 6004 are positioned away from one another, creating a small gap 6018 and allowing the brake disc 6008 to move freely. A square head (not shown) connects the brake disc 6008 to a U-D control wheel, which enables the U-D movement of the endoscope tip. The square head is part of the U-D control wheel which fits into a square hole 6010 in the brake disc 6008, operatively coupling the U-D control wheel and the brake disc 6008.

(52) A braking effect for fixing the endoscope tip position in a desired location is triggered by using a brake handle 6014. In an embodiment, the turning of the handle 6014 between two snapping positions (freewheeling and braking positions) is limited to an angle of 40°. FIG. 6B illustrates the up-down braking system with the brake engaged. The brake handle 6014 includes a base 6015 which is screwed on to a brake drum 6016 and changes the position of the brake drum 6016 and lid 6004 relative to the brake bushing 6002 when rotated counter-clockwise. The protrusions 6009 slide into the negative indentations 6006, the gap 6018 is eliminated and the brake bushing 6002 is compressed up to the lid 6004 by spring power of the second compression spring 6007. As illustrated in FIG. 6A, a small gap 6018 between the brake disc 6008 and the lid 6004 is maintained during the freewheeling operation, allowing the brake disc 6008 to move freely. In FIG. 6B, the gap 6018 is eliminated and the brake disc 6008 is fixed to the lid 6004 when the braking effect is activated.

(53) FIG. 6C illustrates a cross-sectional side view and a top down view of a handle 6030 of an endoscope depicting one embodiment of an up-down (U-D) braking system disengaged. The brake handle 6014 is in its disengaged position and the protrusions of the lid are not aligned with the negative indentations 6006 of the bushing. In this configuration, the up-down control wheel 6012 is free to move.

(54) FIG. 6D illustrates a cross-sectional side view and a top down view of a handle 6030 of an endoscope depicting one embodiment of an up-down (U-D) braking system engaged. The brake handle 6014 has been rotated into its engaged position and the protrusions 6009 of the lid are snapped into the indentations of the bushing. In this configuration, the up-down control wheel 6012 is fixed.

(55) After the brake is actuated, it is still possible to move the U-D control wheel 6012 with slightly increased force and thus to bring the tip of a distal end of the endoscope into a desired position. In an embodiment, in order to deactivate the braking effect and achieve the freewheeling operation, the U-D knob is rotated in a clockwise direction through a 40 degree angle and a force is applied, thereby causing the protrusions to snap out of the negative indentations.

(56) Hence, the present specification provides a braking system for use with an endoscope for maneuvering the tip of a distal end of an endoscope insertion tube. The endoscope tip may be easily moved in an up down as well as right left direction by using the braking system of the present specification. Further, the braking system enables smooth transition between smooth directional readjustment of right and left (or up and down) movement of the insertion tube tip after applying brake for fixing the end position. The braking system provided is a watertight system that provides a complete separation between freewheeling and locking operations.

(57) The above examples are merely illustrative of the many applications of the system of present invention. Although only a few embodiments of the present invention have been described herein, it should be understood that the present invention might be embodied in many other specific forms without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. Therefore, the present examples and embodiments are to be considered as illustrative and not restrictive.