Micro-endoscope and method of making same

Abstract

A micro-endoscope and method of making the same includes a mounting housing, a camera module received within the mounting housing, and an encapsulation material interposed between the camera module and the mounting housing for fixedly mounting the camera module within the mounting housing and / or inhibiting the passage of light between the camera module and the mounting housing. The micro-endoscope further includes a light guide having the mounting housing received therein.

Description

[0001]The present application claims priority to U.S. Prov. App. Ser. No. 62 / 039,518, filed Aug. 20, 2014, the entity of which is expressly incorporated herein by reference.BACKGROUND[0002]The present disclosure generally relates to medical devices, and more particularly relates to a micro-endoscope and a method of making the same. Micro-endoscopes are a type of endoscope having a very small cross-sectional dimension. This can present unique manufacturing challenges for the micro-endoscope. By way of example, a micro-endoscope can have an outside diameter that is less than about 4.0 mm. This small size inhibits easy manufacture of the micro-endoscope and makes it difficult to position an image capturing device, such as a camera, near the distal end of the micro-endoscope.[0003]In one known micro-endoscope, a camera module is painted with a black paint and installed within an optical light guide near the distal end of the micro-endoscope. In particular, lateral sides of the camera mo...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

This patent describes a micro-endoscope device that can be inserted into the body and includes a camera module and an encapsulation material to protect the camera and prevent light from leaking. The device also has a light guide tube to transmit light along its length. This patent also describes a method of making a micro-endoscope by inserting the camera module into a mounting housing and partially encapsulating it with encapsulation material before inserting it into a light guide tube. The technical effects of this patent are improved protection of the camera and preventance of light leakage, which can make the device safer and more reliable for use in medical procedures.

Problems solved by technology

This can present unique manufacturing challenges for the micro-endoscope.

This small size inhibits easy manufacture of the micro-endoscope and makes it difficult to position an image capturing device, such as a camera, near the distal end of the micro-endoscope.

There are a number of potential drawbacks with this arrangement.

For example, the dimensions of the camera module alone and / or the camera module with the black paint thereon can be too inconsistent resulting in problems when inserting the camera in the light guide tube.

Also, the attachment of a ribbon cable to the back of the camera module can be susceptible to failure due to the connection being maintained by only relatively weak solder connections.

Additionally, the micro-endoscope can suffer from decreased optical output due to stray light passing by the camera module.

Further, the black paint can sometimes interfere with the optics of the camera module and it is possible for parasitic paint particles to develop due to local detachment of the black paint.

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