Abstract
Capsule endoscope cannot carry out observation at a fixed point because it uses the intestinal peristalsis as a means of transportation. Therefore, in order to carry out observation at a fixed point with a capsule endoscope, a brake attached to the capsule endoscope is effective to stop it at the point. This paper proposes a helical expansion mechanism as a brake for capsule endoscope and develops a cable-driven brake mechanism. The helix expanded by pulling the cable pushes the intestine, which serves as brake. We show the performance of the helical expansion mechanism as a braking mechanism by experiment.