Product Overview

This riveted four-way bending section is a core component of an endoscope bending section, with specifications of OD12.5mm, ID11.7mm, and total length 600mm. Adjacent segments are hinged using a riveting process, and four groups of pull-wire holes are evenly distributed around the circumference at 90°, enabling independent, controllable bending in four directions: up, down, left, and right. The large-inner-diameter through-bore design allows the interior to simultaneously accommodate an instrument channel, light guide fibers, and imaging cables, making it suitable for complete flexible endoscope development. The bending section can be supplied as individual parts, or optionally assembled with a hypotube, polymer sheath, and four pull wires to deliver a complete bending section assembly.

Basic Specifications

• Outer diameter OD: 12.5mm

• Inner diameter ID: 11.7mm

• Total length L: 600mm

• Bending method: Four-way bending (independent up/down and left/right control)

• Connection process: Riveted hinge joint

• Base material: Medical-grade 316L stainless steel, meeting medical biocompatibility requirements

• Surface treatment: Electropolishing; burr-free inner wall, smooth and low-friction

• Pull-wire holes: 4 groups of wire-passing holes evenly distributed around the circumference, suitable for independent actuation of 4 pull wires

Structure and Process

Multiple annular bending segments are assembled in series, and the parts are connected by precision riveting to form a hinge structure, allowing adjacent rings to rotate relative to one another. Each segment has a built-in limiting structure that defines the maximum bending angle and prevents excessive bending from compressing and damaging the internal channels. The four wire-passing holes are arranged orthogonally at 90° to control steering in four directions respectively. The product is integrally laser-cut and formed, then precision-riveted; the rivets are precisely positioned and firmly riveted, with no loosening or jamming. The large inner diameter design maximizes the internal lumen space within a limited outer diameter, meeting multi-channel integration requirements.

Core Product Features

1. Flexible four-way articulation: Independent, controllable bending in the up, down, left, and right directions, with smooth steering and clear control feedback, meeting the needs of complex lumen exploration procedures.

2. Stable and reliable riveted structure: With the riveted hinge process, the joints rotate smoothly and offer excellent fatigue resistance; repeated bending does not easily cause rivet loosening or segment breakage, ensuring high reliability.

3. Large inner diameter and large lumen: OD12.5, ID11.7, thin wall, and ample internal space reserved for integrating multiple channels/tubing for instruments, imaging, light guide, and air/water supply.

4. Customizable bending angle: The maximum bending angle in a single direction, bending radius, and effective bending length of the snake bone can be adjusted as needed to suit different endoscope handle drive mechanisms.

5. Strong assembly compatibility: The head and tail connection bases are customizable and can directly interface with the proximal hypotube and distal lens mount; integrated assembly delivery with pre-installed sheath and pull wires is supported, reducing the customer's overall assembly difficulty.

6. Excellent surface quality: Electropolished with a smooth, burr-free inner wall and no sharp edges, reducing cable wear and facilitating subsequent polymer sheath coverage.

Typical Application Scenarios

Gastrointestinal endoscopes, general surgery flexible endoscopes, ENT large-lumen endoscopes, and diagnostic and therapeutic endoscopes; suitable for medium-to-large flexible endoscope equipment requiring multi-directional exploration and equipped with an instrument working channel.