Endoscope imaging electronic module and method of manufacturing same

Abstract

To provide a technology on an endoscope for large intestine endoscopy, etc. that enables all necessary elements in the tip part of an endoscope to be loaded efficiently.SOLUTION: An imaging module for a medical device includes: a first optical assembly; a second optical assembly; a flexible circuit board having a folded posture and a flat posture, which includes a distal part for holding the first optical assembly and a rear part for holding the second optical assembly; a holder for holding the flexible circuit board, which includes a first space for receiving the first optical assembly and a second space for receiving the second optical assembly; and a fluid conduit component that the holder supports.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] Aspects of the present disclosure relate to a multi-camera endoscope having a flexible electronic circuit board. [Background technology]

[0002] Endoscopes have achieved great acceptance in the medical community, allowing physicians to view a patient's internal anatomy while providing a means for the performance of treatment with minimal trauma to the patient. Over the years, many endoscopes have been developed and classified according to specific applications, such as cystoscopy, colonoscopy, laparoscopy, and upper gastrointestinal endoscopy. Endoscopes can be inserted through a natural orifice in the body or through an incision in the skin.

[0003] An endoscope is typically a long, slender, tubular shaft, either rigid or flexible, with a video camera or fiber optic lens assembly at its end. The shaft is connected to a handle, which sometimes includes a direct viewing eyepiece. Viewing is typically achieved through an external screen. Various surgical instruments may be inserted through the working channel in the endoscope to perform different surgical procedures.

[0004] Currently used endoscopes, such as colonoscopes, typically have a front-facing camera for viewing internal organs such as the colon, an illuminator, a fluid injector for irrigating the camera lens, and sometimes a working channel for the insertion of surgical tools to remove, for example, polyps found in the colon. Endoscopes often also have a fluid injector ("nozzle") for irrigating the body cavity, such as the colon, into which they are inserted. A commonly used illuminator is an optical fiber that transmits light, generated remotely, to the distal end of the endoscope. The use of light-emitting diodes (LEDs) in illuminators is also known.

[0005] Among the drawbacks of such endoscopes are the limited field and the complex packaging of all the necessary components such as electronics and optical fibers integrated with the fluid carrying elements in the tip section of the miniature endoscope. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] Therefore, there is a need in endoscopic techniques, such as colonoscopy, that allows for a wider field and also allows for efficient filling of all necessary elements at the tip while maintaining their functionality.

[0007] The foregoing examples of the related art and limitations thereon are intended to be illustrative and not exhaustive. Other limitations of the related art will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading the specification and studying the drawings. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The following embodiments and aspects thereof are described and illustrated in the context of systems, tools and directions that are illustrative and described without limiting the scope. According to some embodiments, a flexible electronic circuit board for a distal portion of a multi-camera endoscope is provided, the flexible electronic circuit board comprising: a front camera surface for holding a forward-facing camera; a first side camera surface for holding a first side-facing camera; a second side camera surface for holding a second side-facing camera; one or more front illuminator surfaces for holding one or more front illuminators that essentially illuminate the front-facing camera field of view; one or more side illuminator surfaces for holding one or more side illuminators that essentially illuminate the field of view of the first side-facing camera; and one or more side illuminator surfaces for holding one or more side illuminators that essentially illuminate the field of view of the second side-facing camera. The term "essentially illuminate the field of view" refers to illuminating only a portion of the field of view. The one or more small main illuminator surfaces may include three front illuminator surfaces.

[0009] The front camera surface and the one or more front illuminator surfaces may be essentially parallel to each other and may be essentially perpendicular to a central portion of the flexible electronic circuit board when the flexible electronic circuit board is in a folded configuration.

[0010] According to some embodiments, when the flexible electronic circuit board is in a folded configuration, the first side camera surface and the second side camera surface are essentially parallel to each other such that the first side-facing camera and the second side-facing camera are in opposing orientations.

[0011] According to some embodiments, when the flexible electronic circuit board is in a folded configuration, the first side camera surface and the second side camera surface are essentially perpendicular to a central portion of the flexible electronic circuit board.

[0012] According to some embodiments, when the flexible electronic circuit board is in a folded configuration, the first side camera surface and the second side camera surface are essentially perpendicular to the front camera surface.

[0013] According to some embodiments, the one or more side illuminator surfaces comprise two side illuminator surfaces. According to some embodiments, the two side illuminator surfaces are configured to hold two side illuminators that essentially illuminate the field of view of a first side-facing camera, and when the flexible electronic circuit board is in a folded configuration, the two side illuminator surfaces are essentially parallel to each other and essentially perpendicular to the first side camera surface located between them.

[0014] According to some embodiments, the two side illuminator surfaces are configured to hold two side illuminators on sides facing the first side-facing camera. According to some embodiments, the two side illuminator surfaces are configured to hold two side illuminators that essentially illuminate the field of view of the second side-facing camera, and when the flexible electronic circuit board is in a folded configuration, the two side illuminator surfaces are essentially parallel to each other and essentially perpendicular to the second side camera surface located between them.

[0015] According to some embodiments, the two side illuminator surfaces are configured to hold two side illuminators on sides facing the second side-facing camera. According to some embodiments, there is provided a distal portion of a multi-camera endoscope, comprising: a flexible electronic circuit board for the folded tip portion of a multi-camera endoscope, the flexible electronic circuit board comprising: a front camera surface for holding a forward-facing camera; a first side camera surface for holding a first side-facing camera; a second side camera surface for holding a second side-facing camera; one or more front illuminator surfaces for holding one or more front illuminators that essentially illuminate the front-facing camera field of view; one or more side illuminator surfaces for holding one or more side illuminators that essentially illuminate the field of view of the first side-facing camera; and one or more side illuminator surfaces for holding one or more side illuminators that essentially illuminate the field of view of the second side-facing camera; A tip portion is provided that includes a flexible electronic circuit board holder that holds the flexible electronic circuit board in a folded position.

[0016] According to some embodiments, the distal section of an endoscope (such as a colonoscope) is the most distal part of the endoscope, which is the end point of the endoscope. The distal section is rotatable by means of an attached curved section.

[0017] According to some embodiments, the tip section further includes a fluid conduit component adapted for fluid paths for insufflation and / or irrigation. The fluid conduit component may be a single component, with a front fluid pathway leading to a front opening at the distal end of the single fluid conduit component for irrigating one or more front optical elements in the tip section, and side fluid pathways leading to left and right side openings in the single fluid conduit component for irrigating side optical elements in the tip section. The single fluid conduit component may further include a working pathway adapted for insertion of a medical instrument. The single fluid conduit component may further include a nozzle fluid pathway adapted for irrigating a body cavity into which the endoscope is inserted.

[0018] According to some embodiments, the one or more front illuminator surfaces comprise three front illuminator surfaces. According to some embodiments, the front camera surface and the one or more front illuminator surfaces are essentially parallel to each other and essentially perpendicular to the central portion of the flexible electronic circuit board.

[0019] According to some embodiments, the first and second side camera surfaces are essentially parallel to one another such that the first and second side-facing cameras are oriented in opposite directions. According to some embodiments, the first and second side camera surfaces are essentially perpendicular to a central portion of the flexible electronic circuit board. According to some embodiments, the first and second side camera surfaces are essentially perpendicular to the front camera surface.

[0020] According to some embodiments, the one or more side illuminator surfaces comprise two side illuminator surfaces. According to some embodiments, the two side illuminator surfaces are configured to hold two side illuminators that essentially illuminate a field of view of a first side-facing camera, and when the flexible electronic circuit board is in a folded configuration, the two side illuminator surfaces are essentially parallel to each other and essentially perpendicular to a first side camera surface located between them. According to some embodiments, the two side illuminator surfaces are configured to hold two side illuminators on a side facing the first side-facing camera. According to some embodiments, the two side illuminator surfaces are configured to hold two side illuminators that essentially illuminate a field of view of a second side-facing camera, and when the flexible electronic circuit board is in a folded configuration, the two side illuminator surfaces are essentially parallel to each other and essentially perpendicular to said second side camera surface located between them. According to some embodiments, the two side illuminator surfaces are configured to hold two side illuminators on a side facing the second side-facing camera.

[0021] According to some embodiments, the flexible electronic circuit board holder is configured to be used as a heat sink for one or more side and front illuminators. According to some embodiments, the distal portion has a diameter of about 17 mm or less. According to some embodiments, the distal portion has a diameter of about 12 mm or less. According to some embodiments, the distal portion has a diameter of about 10 mm or less.

[0022] According to some embodiments, provided herein is a multi-camera endoscope, such as a colonoscope, comprising a tip section as disclosed herein. According to some embodiments, the tip section of an endoscope (such as a colonoscope) is the distal-most portion of the endoscope, which is the terminus of the endoscope. The tip section is rotatable by means of an attached bend.

[0023] More details and features of the invention and its embodiments can be found in the description and accompanying drawings. Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention pertains. Although methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice and testing of the present invention, suitable methods and materials are described below. In case of conflict, the patent specification, including definitions, controls. Additionally, the materials, methods, and examples are illustrative only and not limiting.

[0024] Reference is made to the drawings, which illustrate exemplary embodiments. Dimensions of components and features shown in the drawings have generally been chosen for convenience and clarity of presentation and are not necessarily shown to scale. The embodiments and drawings disclosed herein are intended to be illustrative only, not limiting. The drawings are shown below. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0025] [Figure 1] 1 shows an external perspective view of a distal end portion of an endoscope having multiple fields of view according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a folded flexible electronic circuit board that holds a front-facing camera, two side-facing cameras, and an illuminator source, according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3]1 shows a perspective view of a folded flexible electronic circuit board according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] 1 shows a perspective view of a flexible electronic circuit board in an unfolded (flat) configuration, according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] FIG. 1 illustrates an isometric exploded view of a folded flexible electronic circuit board and flexible electronic circuit board holder that holds a camera and illuminator source, according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a folded flexible electronic circuit board and a flexible electronic circuit board holder that holds a camera and an illuminator source, according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] 1 illustrates a perspective view of a folded flexible electronic circuit board holding a camera and illuminator source, a flexible electronic circuit board holder, and fluid conduit components, according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] 1 shows a perspective view of a folded flexible electronic circuit board holding a camera and illuminator source, a flexible electronic circuit board holder, fluid conduit components, and a tip cover (exploded view), according to one embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0026] While a number of exemplary aspects and embodiments have been described above, those skilled in the art will recognize certain modifications, permutations, additions, and combinations thereof. Accordingly, it is intended that the following appended claims and the claims which follow thereafter be interpreted as including all such modifications, permutations, additions, and combinations within the true spirit and scope thereof.

[0027] In the specification and claims of this application, the words "comprise," "include," and "have" and their forms do not limit the members of the list to which the words are associated.

[0028] FIG. 1 shows an external perspective view of the distal end portion of an endoscope having multiple fields of view according to one embodiment of the present invention. According to one embodiment of this embodiment, the distal endoscope section 230 includes at least one forward-facing camera and at least one side-facing camera, and is rotatable by means of a flexible shaft (not shown) that provides a curve (e.g., a vertebral mechanism).

[0029] In some embodiments, the front-facing camera and / or some of the side-facing cameras comprise a charge-coupled device (CCD) or a complementary metal-oxide semiconductor (CMOS) image sensor. It should be noted that the term "endoscope" as used herein refers particularly to, but is not limited to, a colonoscope. The term "endoscope" refers to any instrument for examining the inside of a hollow organ or cavity of the body.

[0030] The tip section 230 includes a front optical assembly 236 of a forward-facing camera 116 (see examples in FIGS. 2 and 5-8) on the front surface 320 of the tip section 230. The optical axis of the forward-facing camera 116 is oriented substantially along the long dimension of the endoscope. However, because the front-facing camera 116 is generally a wide-angle camera, its field of view (FOV) may include viewing directions at large angles relative to its optical axis. Also, optical windows 242a, 242b, and 242c for LEDs 240a, 240b, and 240c, respectively, are located on the front surface 320 of the tip section 230 (see examples in FIGS. 2 and 5-8). The number of illumination sources, such as LEDs, used to illuminate the FOV may vary (e.g., 1 to 5 LEDs may be used on the front surface 320 of the tip section 230). A working channel (not shown) distal opening 340 is also located at the front face 320 of the tip portion 230 so that surgical tools inserted through the working channel tube and deployed beyond the front face 320 through the working channel of the tip portion 230 of the endoscope are displayed by the forward-facing camera 116.

[0031] A distal opening 344 of the nozzle fluid path is also located on the front face 320 of the tip portion 230. The distal opening 344 of the nozzle fluid path may be used to provide a high-pressure jet of water or saline, etc., to irrigate the walls of the body cavity.

[0032] Also located on the front face 320 of tip section 230 is an irrigation and insufflation (I / I) injector 346 having a nozzle 348 that serves the front optical assembly 236. The (I / I) injector 346 may be used to inject fluids (liquid and / or gas) that clean contaminants such as blood, feces, and other debris from the front optical assembly 236 of the forward-facing camera. The same injector is optionally used to flush the front optical assembly 236 and two or all of the optical windows 242 a, 242 b, and 242 c. The I / I injector 346 may be supplied with liquids such as water and / or gas that may be used to flush and / or distend a body cavity.

[0033] Visible on the side wall 362 of the tip section 230 is a side-facing camera element 356b of the side-facing camera 220b, LEDs 250a and 250b, and optical windows 252a and 252b for the camera 220b. The second side-facing camera 220a is not shown in FIG. 1 but can be seen, for example, in FIGS. 2 and 5-6, along with its optical assembly 256a and optical windows 252a' and 252b' for the LEDs 250a' and 250b' of the camera 220a. The optical axis of the side-facing camera 220a is oriented substantially perpendicular to the long dimension of the endoscope. The optical axis of the side-facing camera 220b is oriented substantially perpendicular to the long dimension of the endoscope. However, because the side-facing cameras 220a and 220b are generally wide-angle cameras, their fields of view may include viewing directions at wide angles relative to their optical axes.

[0034] An I / I injector 266 with a nozzle 268 aimed at the side optical assembly 256b may be used to inject fluid to flush contaminants such as blood, feces, and other debris from the side optical assembly 256b of the side-facing camera. The fluid may include gas used to inflate the body cavity. A similar injector is optionally used to flush both the side optical assembly 256b and the optical windows 252a and / or 252b. Note that, according to some embodiments, the tip has one or more windows and LEDs, and the side has one or more windows and LEDs on the side (e.g., one to five windows and two LEDs on the side). A similar configuration of I / I injector and nozzle exists for flushing the optical assembly 256a and optical windows 252a' and 252b' located on the other side of the tip 230. The I / I injector is configured to flush all or some of these windows / LEDs. I / I injectors 346 and 266 may be fed from the same pathway.

[0035] It should be noted that sidewall 362 has the form of an essentially flat surface that serves to direct injected flushing fluid from I / I injector 266 toward side optical assembly 256b and optical windows 252a and / or 252b. The lack of such a flat surface would result in flushing fluid leaking along the curved surfaces of endoscope tip portion 230 without performing the desired flushing action.

[0036] 1, it should be noted that preferably, at least two side-facing cameras may be located within tip portion 230. If two side-facing cameras are used, the side-facing cameras are preferably mounted so that their fields of view are substantially opposite. However, different configurations and numbers of side-facing cameras are possible within the general scope of the present invention.

[0037] Significant problems exist whenever attempts are made to pack all necessary components into the small internal volume of an endoscope. This problem increases dramatically when three cameras and respective illumination sources (such as LEDs) are to be packed into the tip of the endoscope, as disclosed herein in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention. Thus, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention, a flexible electronic circuit is provided for holding and packing within the limited internal volume of the tip of the endoscope, at least one front-facing camera and one or more (e.g., two) side-facing cameras and their respective illumination sources.

[0038] According to some embodiments, flexible electronic circuit boards consume less space, leaving more volume for additional required features. The flexibility of the board adds another dimension in the space that can be used for component placement.

[0039] The use of circuit boards according to embodiments of the present invention greatly increases the reliability of connecting electronic modules, as wires are not used to connect components, and according to some embodiments, component assembly is machined and automated.

[0040] The use of a circuit board according to embodiments of the present invention allows for movement of components and maneuverability during assembly of the camera head (tip of the endoscope) while maintaining a high level of reliability. The use of a circuit board according to embodiments of the present invention may simplify the (tip) assembly process.

[0041] According to some embodiments, the flexible circuit board is connected to the controller via multiple cables that are welded to the board at designated locations that free up additional space within the tip assembly and add flexibility of cable access. The assembly of multiple cables to electronic components has been a major challenge that is alleviated by the use of flexible boards according to embodiments of the present invention.

[0042] FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of a folded flexible electronic circuit board that holds a front-facing camera, two side-facing cameras, and an illuminator source, according to one embodiment of the present invention. Flexible electronic circuit board 400, shown in a folded configuration, is configured to hold front-facing camera 116, LEDs 240a, 240b and 240c arranged to essentially illuminate the field of view (FOV) of front-facing camera 116, side-facing camera 220b, LEDs 250a and 250b arranged to essentially illuminate the field of view (FOV) of side-facing camera 220b, and side-facing camera 220a and LEDs 250a' and 250b' arranged to essentially illuminate the field of view (FOV) of side-facing camera 220a.

[0043] As seen in Figures 3 and 4, which respectively show perspective views of a flat folded flexible electronic circuit board, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, flexible electronic circuit board 400 includes three sections: a front section 402, a main section 404, and a back section 406.

[0044] The front portion 402 of the flexible electronic circuit board 400 includes a first front LED surface 408, a second front LED surface 410, and a bottom LED surface 412. The first front LED surface 408, the second front LED surface 410, and the bottom LED surface 412 are flat surfaces formed from a single piece of PCB layer. The first front LED surface 408 is adapted to hold the front LED 240a, the second front LED surface 410 is adapted to hold the front LED 240b, and the bottom LED surface 412 is adapted to hold the front LED 240c. The first front LED surface 408, the second front LED surface 410, and the bottom LED surface 412 form an arc shape therebetween that is configured to support the forward-facing camera 116.

[0045] The front portion 402 of the flexible electronic circuit board 400 is connected to a main portion 404 via a bottom portion 412. The main portion 404 of the flexible electronic circuit board 400 includes a central portion 418, a first folding side panel 414, and a second folding side panel 416. When the flexible electronic circuit board 400 is in the folded configuration, the first folding side panel 414 and the second folding side panel 416 are configured to fold upward (toward the longitudinal axis of the tip of the endoscope) to form an approximately 45-degree angle with the central portion 418 of the main portion 404, for example, as shown herein. The first folding side panel 414 also includes an arm portion 420 extending therefrom having a front sensor surface 422 (also referred to as a camera surface) adapted to hold the forward-facing camera 116. When the flexible electronic circuit board 400 is in the folded position, the arm portions 420 are folded so that they are essentially perpendicular to the central portion 418 of the main portion 4040, and the front sensor surface 422 is folded essentially perpendicular to the central portion 418 and the arm portions 420 so that it faces essentially the same forward-facing direction as the first front LED surface 408, the second front LED surface 410, and the bottom LED surface 412. This configuration allows the front-facing camera 116 and the LEDs 240a-c to face the same direction.

[0046] As described above, the main portion 404 is connected to the bottom portion 412 of the front portion 402. On the opposite end of the main portion 404, it is connected to the back portion 406. The back portion 406 includes a back center portion 424. The back center portion 424 is connected to a first back arm portion 426 extending from one side of the back center portion 424 and a second back arm portion 428 extending from an opposite side of the back center portion 424.

[0047] The first rear arm portion 426 includes a first side sensor surface 430 (adapted to hold the side-facing camera 220a). The second rear arm portion 428 includes a second side sensor surface 432 (adapted to hold the side camera 220b).

[0048] The first rear arm portion 426 further includes a first side LED surface 434 and a second side LED surface 436 adapted to hold the side LEDs 250a′ and 250b′, respectively. The second rear arm portion 428 further includes a third side LED surface 438 and a fourth side LED surface 440 adapted to hold the side LEDs 250a and 250b, respectively.

[0049] According to some embodiments, the front sensor surface 422 (adapted to hold the forward-facing camera 116), the first side sensor surface 430, and the second side sensor surface 432 (adapted to hold the side-facing cameras 220a and 220b) are thicker than the front and side LED surfaces. For example, the thickness of the sensor surfaces is configured to position the sensor (of the camera) so that the sensor's weld pin covers the surface and is welded to the opposite side of the sensor at a particular weld pad.

[0050] The sensor surface can be rigid and can be used as the base of the camera assembly. The height of the sensor surface is of great importance, as the sensor conductors can be bent to reach directly to the weld pads on the other side of the sensor rigid surface. The rigid base can also function as an electrical ground to filter electromagnetic noise and form the sensor, improving signal quality.

[0051] When the flexible electronic circuit board 400 is in the folded configuration, the rear central portion 424 is folded upward perpendicular to the central portion 418 of the main portion 404. The first side sensor surface 430 and the second side sensor surface 432 are positioned perpendicular to the central portion 418 and perpendicular to the rear central portion 424. The first side sensor surface 430 and the second side sensor surface 432 are essentially parallel and positioned "back to back" to each other so that when side-facing cameras 220a and 220b are held, these cameras point to opposite sides. The first side LED surface 434 and the second side LED surface 436 are positioned perpendicular to the first side sensor surface 430 and are adapted to hold the side LEDs 250a' and 250b', respectively, on their inner surfaces so that the side LEDs are proximate to the side-facing camera 220a. The third side LED surface 438 and the fourth side LED surface 440 are positioned perpendicular to the second side sensor surface 432 and are adapted to hold the side LEDs 250a and 250b, respectively, on their inner surfaces so that the LEDs 250a and 250b are proximate to the side-facing camera 220b.

[0052] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the front portion 420, main portion 404 and back portion 406 of the flexible electronic circuit board 400 are all integrally formed from a single piece of circuit board layer.

[0053] 5 and 6, an isometric exploded view of a folded flexible electronic circuit board and flexible electronic circuit board holder that holds a camera and illuminator source is shown (FIG. 5 shows an exploded view) in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

[0054] Similar to FIG. 2, flexible electronic circuit board 400 shown in FIG. 5 in its folded configuration is configured to hold front-facing camera 116 and LEDs 240a, 240b and 240c positioned to essentially illuminate the field of view (FOV) of front-facing camera 116, side-facing camera 220b and LEDs 250a and 250b positioned to essentially illuminate the field of view (FOV) of side-facing camera 220b, and side-facing camera 220a and LEDs 250a' and 250b' positioned to essentially illuminate the field of view (FOV) of side-facing camera 220a.

[0055] Flexible circuit board holder 500 is adapted to hold flexible circuit board 400 in its desired folded position and secures front and side facing cameras and their corresponding illuminators in place. As shown in Figure 5, flexible circuit board holder 500 is a single piece of rigid material, such as brass, stainless steel, steel, aluminum, or other material.

[0056] According to some embodiments, the use of metal in the construction of the flexible electronics holder is important for electrical and thermal conductivity purposes. According to embodiments of the present invention, the flexible electronics holder (such as flexible electronics holder 500) is used as a heat sink for some or all of the electronic components located at the tip, particularly the illuminator (such as a side or front LED), reducing the overall temperature at the tip of the endoscope. This solves or at least mitigates the significant problem of elevated temperatures at the tip of the endoscope and / or any components, particularly when using LED illuminators.

[0057] The flexible electronic circuit board holder 500 includes a back surface 502 adapted to support a second side LED surface 436 and a fourth side LED surface 440 . The flexible electronic circuit board holder 500 further includes front portions 504a and 504b that support the backsides (open sides where the LEDs are mounted) of the first front LED surface 408 and the second front LED surface 410, respectively.

[0058] The flexible electronic circuit board holder 500 further includes two side portions 506a (not shown) and 506b on two different sides of the flexible electronic circuit board holder 500. Each of the side portions 506a and 506b includes two small openings for the side LEDs (250a, 250b, 250a', 250b') and one opening for the side cameras 220b and 220a (not shown). The side portions 506a and 506b of the flexible electronic circuit board holder 500 are adjacent to the first and second side folding panels 416 and 414, respectively, of the flexible electronic circuit board 400.

[0059] Flexible electronic circuit board holder 500 further includes upper portions 508a and 508b (the upper portion of the flexible electronic circuit board holder may also include one upper portion) configured to cover the upper portion of flexible electronic circuit board 400 and support fluid conduit component 600 (FIG. 7).

[0060] Referring to FIG. 7, a perspective view of a folded flexible electronic circuit board holding a camera and illuminator source, a flexible electronic circuit board holder, and fluid conduit components is shown, according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 shows a perspective view of a folded flexible electronic circuit board and flexible electronic circuit board holder holding a camera and illuminator source. FIG. 7 adds to the configuration of FIG. 6 a fluid conduit component 600, including an irrigation and vent (I / I) injector, nozzle channels, and working channels. Fluid conduit component 600 is a separate component from flexible electronic circuit board 400. This configuration is adapted to separate the fluid and working channels located on fluid conduit component 600 from the sensitive electronic and optical components located in the area of ​​flexible electronic circuit board 400.

[0061] According to some embodiments, the fluid conduit component 600 (or a single fluid conduit component according to some embodiments) may generally include two parts: a proximal fluid conduit component portion 690′ and a distal fluid conduit component portion 690″. The proximal fluid conduit component portion 690′ may have an essentially cylindrical shape. The distal fluid conduit component portion 690″ may have a partially cylindrical (optionally elongated partially cylindrical) shape that partially continues the cylindrical shape of the proximal fluid conduit component portion 690′, having only a segment of the cylinder (along the cylinder's major axis) and lacking another segment of the cylinder (along the cylinder's major axis). The distal fluid conduit component portion 690″ may be integrally formed as a single block with the proximal fluid conduit component portion 690′. The distal fluid conduit component portion 690″ has a greater height than the proximal fluid conduit component portion 690′. For distal fluid conduit component portion 690", a partial cylindrical shape (e.g., a partial cylinder having only a cylindrically shaped section along one side of the high axis) may provide space to accommodate flexible electronics board 400 and flexible electronics board holder 500.

[0062] The front face 620 of the distal fluid conduit component portion 690" includes a distal opening 640 of a working channel (not shown, but located inside the fluid conduit component portion 690). The front face 620 of the distal fluid conduit component portion 690" further includes a distal opening 644 of a jet fluid path used to provide a high-pressure jet of fluid, such as water or saline, and optional suction, for irrigating the walls of a body cavity (such as the colon). The front face 620 of the distal fluid conduit component portion 690" further includes an irrigation and aeration (I / I) injector 664 used to inject fluid (liquid and / or gas) that washes contaminants such as blood, waste, and other debris from the front optical assembly 236 of the forward-facing camera.

[0063] Proximal fluid conduit component portion 690′ of fluid conduit component 600 includes I / I openings 666a (not shown) and 666b, which are intended for optical assemblies 256a and 256b, respectively, and are used to inject fluid (the term “fluid” may include gas and / or liquid) that washes contaminants such as blood, feces, and other debris from side optical assemblies 256a and 256b of side-facing cameras 220a and 220b. According to some embodiments, the injector may provide liquid for washing any tip components (such as any optical assemblies, windows, LEDs, and other components).

[0064] Referring to FIG. 8, a perspective view of a folded flexible electronic circuit board holding the camera and illuminator source, a flexible electronic circuit board holder, fluid conduit components, and a tip cover (exploded view) is shown, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

[0065] Fluid conduit components 600, flexible electronics board 400 and flexible electronics board holder 500 are depicted in Figures 6 and 7. Tip cover 700 is designed to fit inside tip section 230 and provide protection for the internal components of the inner section.

[0066] Tip cover 700 includes front optical assembly 236 of forward-facing camera 116, optical windows 242a, 24b, and 242c for LEDs 240a, 240b, and 240c (see, e.g., FIGS. 2 and 5-8), distal opening 340 of a working channel (not shown), distal opening 344 of a jet fluid path, I / I injector 346 with nozzle 348 (which cooperates with opening 664 of fluid conduit component 600), and side optical assembly 236 of side-facing cameras 220a and 220b. The optical components include holes 756a (not shown) and 756b configured to cooperate with assemblies 256a and 256b, light windows 252a and 252b for LEDs 250a and 250b for camera 220a, light windows 252a' and 252b' for LEDs 250a' and 250b', side holes 266a (not shown) and 266b adapted to cooperate with I / I openings 666a (not shown) and 666b, and hole 736 configured for highlighting.

[0067] While the present invention has been described in conjunction with specific embodiments thereof, it will be apparent that many alternatives, modifications, and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, it is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications, and variations within the spirit and broad scope of the appended claims. All publications, patents, and patent specifications mentioned in this specification are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety to the extent that each individual publication, patent, or patent specification is indicated to be incorporated herein by reference. Furthermore, citation or identification of any reference in this specification should not be construed as an admission that such reference is available as prior art to the present invention.

Claims

1. a front-facing camera assembly; a side-facing camera assembly; a flexible circuit board having a folded position and a flat position, the flexible circuit board including a front portion supporting the front-facing camera assembly and a rear portion holding the side-facing camera assembly; a holder configured to hold the flexible circuit board and including a first space for receiving the front-facing camera assembly and a second space for receiving the side-facing camera assembly, the first space being located between a first flat portion and a second flat portion of the holder, a first portion of the front portion abutting the first flat portion and a second portion of the front portion abutting the second flat portion, (i) a third flat portion of the holder extending longitudinally from the first portion of the front portion to a proximal end of the holder, and (ii) a fourth flat portion of the holder extending longitudinally from the second portion of the front portion to the proximal end of the holder; a fluid conduit component; Equipped with An imaging module for an endoscope, wherein the third flat portion and the fourth flat portion support the fluid conduit component and cover the flexible circuit board.

2. 2. The imaging module of claim 1, wherein the front portion of the flexible circuit board comprises a first distal portion, a second distal portion, and a third distal portion, the first distal portion, the second distal portion, and the third distal portion together forming an arc shape configured to support the front-facing camera assembly.

3. The holder is a first planar side portion extending parallel to a central longitudinal axis of the front-facing camera assembly; a second flat side portion extending parallel to the central longitudinal axis of the front-facing camera assembly; and 3. The imaging module of claim 2, wherein the second space of the holder extends between the first and second flat side portions.

4. The imaging module of claim 1 , wherein the second space extends between U-shaped portions of the holder.

5. 2. The imaging module of claim 1, wherein the flexible circuit board further includes a main portion proximal to the front portion, the main portion including a central portion, a first side panel, and a second side panel, the first side panel and the second side panel being angled relative to the central portion when the flexible circuit board is in the folded position.

6. 2. The imaging module of claim 1, wherein the flexible circuit board further includes a main portion proximal to the front portion, the main portion including a central portion, a first side portion disposed adjacent a first side of the central portion, and a second side portion disposed adjacent a second side of the central portion, the second side portion including an arm portion, the arm portion including a surface configured to hold the front-facing camera assembly.

7. 7. The imaging module of claim 6, wherein when the flexible circuit board is in the flat position, the central portion, the first side portion, and the second side portion are substantially flush with each other, and when the flexible circuit board is in the folded position, the surface of the arm portion is substantially parallel to the front portion.

8. The imaging module of claim 7 , wherein an optical axis of the front-facing camera assembly extends perpendicular to and intersects the surface of the arm portion.

9. The imaging module of claim 1 , wherein the first flat portion and the second flat portion are located distal to a front sensor surface of the flexible circuit board to which the front-facing camera assembly is attached.

10. The imaging module of claim 1 , wherein the holder extends distally of the fluid conduit component.

11. The imaging module of claim 1 , wherein a longitudinally extending space of the holder receives a portion of the fluid conduit component, the longitudinally extending space being located between the third flat portion and the fourth flat portion.

12. The imaging module of claim 1 , wherein a first central longitudinal axis of the front-facing camera assembly is orthogonal to a second central longitudinal axis of the side-facing camera assembly.

13. a front-facing camera assembly; a side-facing camera assembly; A flexible circuit board having multiple folds, a front portion including a U-shaped portion configured to support and receive the front-facing camera assembly; The main part and The rear and the front portion, the main portion, and the rear portion have a first wall thickness, a first portion of the main portion has a second wall thickness, a second portion of the rear portion has a third wall thickness, the second and third wall thicknesses being thicker than the first wall thickness, the first portion being coupled to the front-facing camera assembly, and the second portion being coupled to the side-facing camera assembly; The flexible circuit board comprises: A holder for holding the flexible circuit board, a first planar surface extending from the distal end of the holder to the proximal end of the holder; a second planar surface extending from the distal end of the holder to the proximal end of the holder; the holder including a first recess for receiving an illuminator of the flexible circuit board; a fluid conduit component; wherein the first and second planar surfaces support the fluid conduit component and abut a third planar surface of the fluid conduit component, a proximal end of the holder abuts a fourth planar surface of the fluid conduit component, and the third planar surface is perpendicular to the fourth planar surface.

14. The holder is a first planar front portion disposed at a distal-most end of the holder and extending perpendicular to a central longitudinal axis of the front-facing camera assembly; a second planar front portion disposed at the distal-most end of the holder and extending perpendicular to the central longitudinal axis of the front-facing camera assembly; 1) a space extending between the first and second planar front surfaces, and 2) a space extending between the first and second planar front surfaces, the space receiving the front-facing camera assembly; The imaging module of claim 13 , comprising:

15. The imaging module of claim 13 , wherein the first portion is proximal to the U-shaped portion.

16. The imaging module of claim 14 , wherein the second portion is proximal to the first portion.

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