Asymmetrical Rod Lens System for Endoscope Chromatic Aberration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Rod lens systems in endoscopes face difficulties in correcting longitudinal chromatic aberration due to their symmetrical design, which increases the complexity and cost of the overall system.
Innovation Solution
The rod lens system incorporates asymmetrical reversal stages with varying geometries and materials, including different types of rod lenses and aspherical curvature, allowing for improved correction of longitudinal chromatic aberration by aligning intermediate image planes and using multiple materials to reduce aberrations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If symmetrical reversal stages are used in the rod lens system, then the manufacturing cost is reduced and assembly is simplified, but the longitudinal chromatic aberration cannot be corrected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by designing reversal stages with different rod lens configurations. Specifically, the first reversal stage uses rod lenses with a first diameter and the second reversal stage uses rod lenses with a second diameter that is different from the first diameter. This asymmetric design enables correction of longitudinal chromatic aberration while maintaining reasonable manufacturing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements local quality by varying the rod lens parameters at different positions within the optical system. Different reversal stages have different rod lens diameters, lengths, and material compositions tailored to their specific functional requirements. This allows optimization of chromatic aberration correction in critical regions while maintaining overall system performance.
2Manufacturing precision
If multiple different rod lens types are used in reversal stages, then the longitudinal chromatic aberration is corrected, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes parameter changes by systematically varying rod lens dimensions (diameter, length) and material properties across different reversal stages. The first reversal stage uses rod lenses with specific parameters optimized for its function, while the second reversal stage uses rod lenses with different parameters. This controlled parameter variation achieves chromatic aberration correction without requiring excessive complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the reversal system into multiple independent reversal stages, each with its own set of rod lenses having specific configurations. This modular segmentation allows each stage to be optimized independently for chromatic aberration correction while maintaining overall system manageability and assembly feasibility.
3Manufacturing precision
If asymmetrical reversal stages with different rod lens geometries are implemented, then the longitudinal chromatic aberration is corrected, but the assembly and alignment difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-configuring the asymmetric rod lens systems within each reversal stage as integrated units with predetermined alignments. The rod lenses in each stage are arranged with specific orientations and positions that are optimized for chromatic aberration correction, reducing the alignment complexity during final assembly of the complete endoscope system.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This design effectively corrects longitudinal chromatic aberration, enhances edge sharpness, and reduces the complexity of the correction process, leading to improved imaging quality and reduced vignetting.
Implementation Method 1
The rod lens system (1) has a first, a second and a third reversal stage (10, 11, 12) which are arranged one behind the other and each image an intermediate image in a next intermediate image plane... Due to the asymmetrical design of the rod lens system (1), the longitudinal chromatic aberration, for example, can be better corrected
Data Source
Figure 1~3
AI summary
A rod lens system for an endoscope is provided, wherein the rod lens system (1) has at least one reversal stage (10, 11, 12) to image an intermediate image lying in a distal intermediate image plane (7) into a proximal intermediate image plane (15), wherein each reversal stage (10 - 12) has at least one rod lens (16 - 21) and images an intermediate image into a next intermediate image plane, wherein the rod lens system (1) is designed as an asymmetrical rod lens system (1) and at least one of the reversal stages (10 - 12) is designed as an asymmetrical reversal stage (10 - 12).