An endoscope lens angle adjustment mechanism to prevent distortion

Abstract

This utility model relates to an endoscope lens angle adjustment mechanism to prevent distortion. Utilizing biomimetic principles, a multi-joint connection structure is constructed within the snake-bone steering sleeve. Combined with a built-in spring telescopic structure and a wire guiding system, it effectively solves the image distortion problem caused by lens misalignment during traditional endoscope rotation. The lens structure is rigidly connected to the upper connecting part via the lens mounting part. The latter, through a rotary joint, forms a knee-joint-like dual-axis linkage with the lower connecting part, ensuring that the lens body maintains stable imaging along a preset optical axis during rotation. The telescopic spring in the spring telescopic structure is sleeved outside the guide rod, compensating for the axial expansion and contraction caused by the rotational joint movement in real time. The wire passes through the wire channel within the rotary joint and through the center of the guide rod, forming a flexible wiring system that maintains 20% redundancy within a ±90° rotation range.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model provides an angle adjustment mechanism, belonging to the field of endoscope technology, and particularly relates to an endoscope lens angle adjustment mechanism to prevent distortion. Background Technology

[0002] The serpentine steering structure of an endoscope is the core component for achieving multi-angle lens adjustment. It drives the lens to bend and rotate within the cavity through the release and unscrewing of multiple hinged units, such as a serpentine chain. Traditional lens angle adjustment mechanisms typically use a rigid connection to directly fix the lens to the end of the serpentine frame, and rotate the lens through the relative deflection between the serpentine segments. However, this structure lacks a dynamic compensation mechanism during steering, which easily causes the lens optical axis to deviate from the preset direction, leading to image distortion. Simultaneously, the wires running through the serpentine frame are prone to fatigue fracture due to repeated bending, severely affecting the reliability of the equipment.

[0003] Existing improvements often involve adding a single-degree-of-freedom hinge between the serpentine frame and the lens to enhance flexibility. However, limited by the single-axis structure, they still cannot eliminate axial offset during lens movement. Furthermore, while spiral winding of the lead wire alleviates stress concentration, issues such as insufficient bending radius and signal attenuation persist during large-angle turns. These shortcomings make existing endoscopes ill-suited for the precise imaging requirements of complex anatomical structures, particularly prone to image distortion and lead wire breakage during continuous turns, thus hindering the precision and safety of minimally invasive surgery. Utility Model Content

[0004] In order to solve the above problems, this application provides an endoscope lens angle adjustment mechanism to prevent distortion, thereby solving the problem of instability when the existing endoscope lens rotates.

[0005] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, this utility model provides the following technical solution: an endoscope anti-distortion lens angle adjustment mechanism, including a lens structure, a connecting structure, a wire and a spring telescopic structure;

[0006] The lens structure is connected to the snake-bone steering structure through the connecting structure, the wire passes through the connecting structure and is electrically connected to the lens structure, and the spring telescopic structure is located inside the connecting structure;

[0007] The wire passes through the spring telescopic structure, which changes shape as the lens structure swings.

[0008] Preferably, the lens structure includes a lens body and a lens mounting part, the lens mounting part is fixedly connected to the connecting structure, the lens body is mounted on the lens mounting part, and its optical axis direction is consistent with the axial direction of the lens mounting part.

[0009] Preferably, the connecting structure is located inside the snake-bone steering sleeve and includes an upper connecting part and a lower connecting part;

[0010] The upper connecting part is fixedly connected to the lens mounting part, and the upper connecting part and the lower connecting part are connected by a rotary joint. The rotary joint is provided with a wire channel for accommodating the wire, and the spring telescopic structure is disposed in the lower connecting part.

[0011] Preferably, the rotating structure includes external limiting rods that are movably connected to the upper connecting part and located on both sides of the upper connecting part. The other end of the external limiting rod is internally movably connected to a mounting seat that is fixedly connected to the lower connecting part. The mounting seat is movably connected to the wire channel, and the wire channel is movably connected to the upper connecting part.

[0012] The movable connections of the rotary joints are all achieved through a rotating shaft structure.

[0013] Preferably, the spring telescopic structure includes a telescopic spring and a guide rod, one end of which is connected to the rotary joint;

[0014] The other end of the guide rod is fixedly connected to the lower end of the lower connecting part by a protective shell. The telescopic spring is located at both ends of the guide rod to realize the telescopic movement of the lens structure during rotation.

[0015] Preferably, the wire passes through the guide rod and the protective shell.

[0016] One or more technical solutions provided in the embodiments of this application have at least the following technical effects or advantages:

[0017] This device utilizes biomimetic principles to incorporate a multi-joint connection structure within the snake-bone steering sleeve. Combined with a built-in spring telescopic structure and a wire guiding system, it effectively solves the image distortion problem caused by lens misalignment during traditional endoscope steering. Specifically, when the snake-bone steering structure drives the lens structure to rotate in multiple directions, the rotational joint between the upper and lower connecting parts simulates the dual-axis linkage characteristics of the knee joint. Through the synergistic action of the external limiting rod and the rotating shaft structure, it ensures that the lens body remains stable along the fixed optical axis. Simultaneously, the telescopic spring in the spring telescopic structure dynamically compensates for the axial displacement caused by rotation along the guide rod, allowing the wires running through it to form redundant routing under the constraint of the protective shell. This avoids excessive bending and damage to the wires while maintaining the stability of electrical signal transmission. This integrated design enables the lens to achieve distortion-free imaging within a ±180° steering range, improving its adaptability to complex cavity environments compared to existing technologies, and is particularly suitable for minimally invasive surgical scenarios requiring precise steering.

[0018] Other advantages, objectives and features of this invention will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the following examination or study, or may be taught from the practice of this invention. Attached Figure Description

[0019] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of an endoscope lens angle adjustment mechanism for preventing distortion according to the present invention.

[0020] Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional view of an endoscope lens angle adjustment mechanism for preventing distortion according to this utility model.

[0021] As shown in the figure:

[0022] 1. Lens structure;

[0023] 11. Lens body; 12. Lens mounting section;

[0024] 2. Connection structure;

[0025] 21. Upper connecting part; 22. Lower connecting part; 23. Rotary joint; 24. Wire channel; 25. External limiting rod; 26. Mounting base; 27. Rotating shaft structure;

[0026] 3. Wires;

[0027] 4. Spring telescopic structure;

[0028] 41. Telescopic spring; 42. Guide rod;

[0029] 5. Protective casing. Detailed Implementation

[0030] The technical solutions of the present utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present utility model, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the protection scope of the present utility model.

[0031] It should be noted that the terms "vertical," "horizontal," "up," "down," "left," "right," and similar expressions used in this article are for illustrative purposes only and do not represent the only possible implementation.

[0032] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention pertains; the terminology used herein in the description of this invention is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the invention; the term "and / or" as used herein includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0033] like Figure 1 As shown, an endoscope lens angle adjustment mechanism for preventing distortion mainly consists of a lens structure, a connecting structure, a wire, and a spring telescopic structure. The lens structure is connected to the snake-bone steering structure via the connecting structure and electrically connected via a wire. The spring telescopic structure is located inside the connecting structure, and the wire passes through it, changing position as the lens structure oscillates. The lens structure includes a lens body and a lens mounting part. The lens mounting part is fixedly connected to the connecting structure, and the lens body is mounted on the lens mounting part with its optical axis aligned with the axis of the lens mounting part. The connecting structure is located inside the snake-bone steering sleeve and includes an upper connecting part and a lower connecting part. The upper connecting part is fixedly connected to the lens mounting part, and the upper and lower connecting parts are connected by a rotary joint. The rotary joint has a wire channel for accommodating the wire, and the spring telescopic structure is located in the lower connecting part.

[0034] In this implementation scheme, the multi-joint connection structure 2, constructed inside the snake-bone steering sleeve based on biomimetic principles, is the core of the entire lens angle adjustment. The lens structure 1 is rigidly connected to the upper connecting part 21 via the lens mounting part 12, which in turn forms a knee-like dual-axis linkage with the lower connecting part 22 via a rotating joint 23. One end of the external limiting rods 25 on both sides of the rotating joint 23 is hinged to the upper connecting part 21, and the other end is linked to the mounting seat 26 of the lower connecting part 22 via a rotating shaft structure 27, ensuring that the lens body 11 maintains a stable imaging with an offset within ±0.1° along the preset optical axis direction during rotation.

[0035] The spring telescopic structure 4 serves as a key dynamic compensation unit. Its telescopic spring 41 is sleeved on the outside of the guide rod 42. One end of the guide rod 42 is connected to the rotary joint 23, and the other end is fixed to the lower connecting part 22 through the protective shell 5. When the lens structure 1 rotates ±180° in multiple directions under the snake-bone steering drive, the guide rod 42 generates a stroke displacement of ±3mm along its own axis. The telescopic spring 41 compensates for the axial expansion and contraction caused by the movement of the rotary joint 23 in real time. The wire 3 passes through the wire channel 24 in the rotary joint 23 and the center of the guide rod 42. The protective shell 5 provides radial constraint for the wire 3, forming a flexible wiring system that maintains 20% redundancy within a ±90° rotation range.

[0036] This design combines the kinematic constraints of a dual-axis linkage joint with displacement compensation via spring extension and retraction, solving the problem of ≥5% radial distortion caused by lens offset during large-angle rotation of traditional endoscopes. Field tests show that in complex cavity environments such as the colorectal region, this mechanism can control the lens imaging distortion rate to ≤1.2%, and reduce the signal attenuation coefficient of lead 3 to 35% of traditional designs. This effectively extends the instrument's lifespan and improves the stability of the surgical field, making it particularly suitable for minimally invasive interventional scenarios requiring extremely high imaging accuracy, such as those involving the cerebrovascular and urinary systems.

[0037] like Figure 2 As shown, the rotating joint of the endoscope's distortion-prevention lens angle adjustment mechanism includes external limiting rods movably connected to the upper connecting part and located on both sides thereon. The other end of each external limiting rod is internally movably connected to a mounting base fixedly connected to the lower connecting part. The mounting base is movably connected to a wire channel, which in turn is movably connected to the upper connecting part. All movable connections of the rotating joint are achieved through a pivot structure. The spring telescopic structure includes a telescopic spring and a guide rod. One end of the guide rod is connected to the rotating joint, and the other end is fixedly connected to the lower end of the lower connecting part via a protective shell. The telescopic spring is located at both ends of the guide rod to achieve the telescopic movement of the lens structure during rotation. Simultaneously, the wire passes through the guide rod and the protective shell.

[0038] In this embodiment, the device is implemented based on the conventional technical framework of the existing endoscopic snake bone steering system. The snake bone steering structure is composed of multiple articulated units connected in series. Each unit is driven by a traction line (not shown) and a control handle. The lens structure 1 is installed at the front end of the snake bone steering sleeve. Its initial positioning must ensure that the optical axis coincides with the longitudinal axis of the snake bone. The wire 3 runs through the pre-set wiring channel inside the snake bone to the rear image processing module. In traditional implementation, lens structure 1 is rigidly fixed to the end of the snake bone via a flange, and wire 3 is laid out in a straight line through the gaps in the snake bone. When the operator controls the snake bone to bend via the handle, the lens deflects synchronously with the snake bone segments. However, since each hinge unit of the snake bone can only achieve single-plane bending, the lens axis will be unexpectedly offset. At this time, wire 3 is prone to friction damage with the guide wall due to excessive compression on the inner side of the snake bone bend, and will break on the outer side due to stretching exceeding the elastic deformation threshold. This device replaces the original flange with the connection structure 2 to connect to the end of the snake bone, and constructs a two-degree-of-freedom rotary joint 23 inside the snake bone steering sleeve, so that lens structure 1 can rotate independently around the X / Y axis when the snake bone bends. At the same time, the spring telescopic structure 4 absorbs axial displacement through the sliding cooperation between the guide rod 42 and the protective shell 5. Wire 3 is arranged in an "S"-shaped redundant arrangement in the wire channel 24 of the rotary joint 23, ultimately achieving the dual effects of dynamic calibration of the lens optical axis and stress dispersion of the wire.

[0039] When using this device, first install the endoscope's distortion-proof lens angle adjustment mechanism at the front end of the endoscope's snake-bone steering sleeve, ensuring that the optical axis of the lens structure coincides with the longitudinal axis of the snake bone. Simultaneously, run the wire through the pre-set routing channel inside the snake bone to the rear-end image processing module and connect it. During the surgical procedure, when the operator pulls the snake-bone steering structure to bend using the control handle, the lens structure deflects with the snake bone. At this time, the dual-degree-of-freedom rotary joint in the connecting structure allows the lens to rotate independently around the X / Y axes. The external limiting rod and the rotating shaft structure work together to constrain the lens's optical axis offset within ±0.1°. Simultaneously, the guide rod in the spring telescopic structure slides axially, and the telescopic spring compensates for the ±3mm axial displacement caused by rotation in real time, resulting in an "S"-shaped redundant arrangement of the wire within the wire channel of the rotary joint. The protective shell provides radial constraint for the wire, preventing excessive bending or stretching damage. During the procedure, the operator can fine-tune the snake-bone bending angle via the handle based on real-time imaging feedback. The lens structure maintains stable imaging through dynamic compensation from the spring-loaded telescopic structure, with distortion rate controlled within ≤1.2%. The signal attenuation coefficient is reduced by 65% ​​compared to traditional designs, ultimately achieving simultaneous control of precise steering and distortion-free imaging. This makes it particularly suitable for minimally invasive interventional surgeries involving complex cavities such as those in the cerebrovascular and urinary systems. After the procedure, it is necessary to check for wire wear and clean impurities from the protective shell to ensure stable performance for the next use.

[0040] Although the present invention has been disclosed above with reference to preferred embodiments, it is not intended to limit the present invention. Any person skilled in the art can make various modifications and alterations without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Therefore, the scope of protection of the present invention should be determined by the claims.

Claims

1. An endoscope distortion-preventing lens angle adjustment mechanism, characterized by: It includes a lens structure (1), a connecting structure (2), a wire (3), and a spring telescopic structure (4). The lens structure (1) is connected to the snake-bone steering structure through the connecting structure (2), the wire (3) passes through the connecting structure (2) and is electrically connected to the lens structure (1), and the spring telescopic structure (4) is located inside the connecting structure (2); The wire (3) passes through the spring telescopic structure (4), which changes as the lens structure (1) swings.

2. The lens angle adjustment mechanism of claim 1, wherein: The lens structure (1) includes a lens body (11) and a lens mounting part (12). The lens mounting part (12) is fixedly connected to the connecting structure (2). The lens body (11) is mounted on the lens mounting part (12), and its optical axis direction is consistent with the axis direction of the lens mounting part (12).

3. The lens angle adjustment mechanism of claim 2, wherein: The connecting structure (2) is located inside the snake-bone steering sleeve and includes an upper connecting part (21) and a lower connecting part (22). The upper connecting part is fixedly connected to the lens mounting part (12), and the upper connecting part (21) and the lower connecting part (22) are connected by a rotating joint (23). The rotating joint (23) is provided with a wire channel (24) for accommodating the wire (3), and the spring telescopic structure (4) is provided in the lower connecting part.

4. The lens angle adjustment mechanism of claim 3, wherein: The rotary joint (23) includes an external limiting rod (25) that is movably connected to the upper connecting part (21) and located on both sides of the upper connecting part (21). The other end of the external limiting rod (25) is internally movably connected to a mounting seat (26) that is fixedly connected to the lower connecting part (22). The mounting seat (26) is movably connected to the wire channel (24), and the wire channel (24) is movably connected to the upper connecting part (21). The movable connections of the rotary joints (23) are all achieved through the rotating shaft structure (27).

5. The lens angle adjustment mechanism of claim 3, wherein: The spring telescopic structure (4) includes a telescopic spring (41) and a guide rod (42), one end of which is connected to the rotary joint (23); The other end of the guide rod is fixedly connected to the lower end of the lower connecting part (22) by a protective shell (5) sleeved on it. The telescopic spring (41) is located at both ends of the guide rod (42) to realize the telescopic movement of the lens structure (1) during rotation.

6. The lens angle adjustment mechanism of claim 5, wherein: The wire (3) passes through the guide rod (42) and the protective shell (5).

Images