Camera Head Solder Joint Sealing for Cleanability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing camera heads face challenges in maintaining cleanability due to the exposure of solder joints, which can lead to dirt accumulation and reduced effectiveness in sterilization and disinfection processes.
Innovation Solution
A camera head design that incorporates a watertight sealing member with an annular elastic portion and a pressing portion to securely seal the solder joints between the casing and the optical element, enhancing cleanability and resistance to sterilization and disinfection methods.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If solder is used to join the casing unit and optical element, then airtight sealing is achieved, but the solder surface becomes rough and prone to dirt accumulation
Solution Approach 1:
A watertight sealing member is introduced as an intermediary component between the solder joint and the external environment. This sealing member covers the solder surface, preventing direct contact with dirt and contaminants while allowing the solder to maintain its airtight sealing function. The sealing member acts as a protective mediator that isolates the harmful effect (dirt accumulation) from the functional component (solder joint).
Solution Approach 2:
The watertight sealing member is made of elastic material that can deform to conform to the solder joint surface. This flexible shell-like structure provides a smooth external surface that is easy to clean while maintaining the airtight seal. The elastic property allows the sealing member to adapt to surface irregularities of the solder without compromising the seal or creating rough surfaces.
2Reliability
If the camera head is subjected to autoclave treatment, then sterilization is achieved, but the structure must resist high-temperature and high-pressure steam penetration
Solution Approach 1:
The watertight sealing member serves as a protective intermediary layer between the internal components and the external sterilization environment. It prevents direct contact between high-temperature steam and the electronic components while allowing the sterilization process to effectively treat the external surfaces. The sealing member mediates between the sterilization requirement and the protection requirement for internal components.
3Ease of manufacture
If the solder joint is exposed to the outside, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but cleanability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing structure is segmented into distinct functional parts: the watertight sealing member (made of elastic material) and the pressing portion (made of resin). This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently - the sealing member provides the smooth, cleanable surface while the pressing portion provides structural support and positioning. The segmentation enables easy manufacturing of each component separately while achieving the overall goal of improved cleanability.
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
The proposed design effectively seals the solder joints, preventing dirt accumulation and improving cleanability, while also simplifying the sterilization and disinfection processes by reducing the risk of contamination.
Implementation Method 1
an annular elastic portion made of an elastic material, and a pressing portion including an annular pressing surface configured to press the elastic portion toward the optical element
Implementation Method 2
an optical element made of a translucent material and fixed to an inner circumferential surface of the opening by brazing with solder to airtightly seal inside of the casing
Data Source
AI summary
A camera head includes: a casing including an opening and configured to receive a subject image introduced inside through the opening; an image sensor housed in the casing and configured to capture the subject image; an optical element made of a translucent material and fixed to an inner circumferential surface of the opening by brazing with solder to airtightly seal inside of the casing; and a watertight sealing member fixed to the casing and watertightly sealing the solder joining the casing and the optical element, the watertight sealing member including an annular elastic portion made of an elastic material, and a pressing portion including an annular pressing surface configured to press the elastic portion toward the optical element when the elastic portion abuts on an outer surface of the optical element facing space outside the casing, the pressing portion being fixed to the casing.