Cable Connection Structure for Endoscope Insertion Port
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Solution Overview
Problem
Endoscope systems face challenges in reducing the diameter of the insertion portion to facilitate easier introduction into subjects while maintaining reliable electrical connections for the imaging device's coaxial cables, which are critical for medical and industrial applications.
Innovation Solution
A cable connection structure that aligns and connects coaxial cables with exposed central and outer conductors using a board with electrodes and a conductive connecting member, ensuring electrical and mechanical connection through a C-shaped accommodating portion in the aligning member, allowing for parallel alignment and secure soldering without positional displacement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the diameter of the insertion portion is reduced to facilitate easier introduction into a subject, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability of cable connections deteriorates due to limited space for connecting coaxial cables
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies nesting by placing multiple coaxial cables and their connection structures within a compact, integrated housing that contains aligned grooves and positioning features. The cables are nested within the connection structure, which itself is nested within the insertion portion housing, achieving space-efficient arrangement that maintains reliable connections despite reduced overall diameter
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from planar cable arrangement to three-dimensional spatial organization by using vertically stacked aligned grooves and multi-level positioning structures. The connection structure utilizes depth and vertical stacking to accommodate multiple cables in a compact footprint, effectively using the third dimension to resolve space constraints
2Ease of manufacture
If multiple coaxial cables are arranged in a row with exposed conductors, then the ease of manufacture is improved, but the device complexity increases due to the need for precise alignment and positioning structures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-forming aligned grooves and positioning features into the connection structure housing before cable installation. The grooves are precisely formed at predetermined positions and orientations, and positioning protrusions are pre-integrated into the structure, enabling cables to be directly inserted and aligned without requiring complex external alignment tools or procedures
Solution Approach 2:
The alignment structure incorporates self-aligning features where positioning protrusions on cables automatically engage with corresponding grooves or recesses in the housing. The structure guides cable placement through geometric constraints, allowing the assembly to self-align and self-position during installation without requiring external alignment equipment or complex adjustment procedures
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 solution enables reliable and compact cable connections at narrow pitches, enhancing the connection reliability and reducing the diameter of the insertion portion, thus facilitating easier introduction and maintaining effective signal transmission in endoscope systems.
Implementation Method 1
the conductive portions of the plurality of cables are electrically and mechanically connected to the electrode portion of the board via a conductive connecting member
Data Source
AI summary
A cable connection structure includes: a plurality of cables including at least one coaxial cable including a central conductor, an inner insulator, and an outer conductor exposed stepwise at a distal end portion; an aligning member that is in contact with side surfaces of exposed conductive portions of the cables positioned at least at both ends, of the plurality of cables, to align the cables such that axial directions become parallel and outer sheaths of the adjacent cables are in contact with each other; and a board on which an electrode portion that connects the conductive portions of the plurality of cables are arranged. The conductive portions of the plurality of cables are electrically and mechanically connected to the electrode portion of the board via a conductive connecting member and the aligning member.