Tube-Integrated Camera Housing for Precise Distal Lumen Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing medical devices with integrated cameras face challenges in assembly due to cumbersome fitting and positioning of the camera module, which can result in restricted viewing angles and incorrect placement.
Innovation Solution
A camera module is fixed in a camera lumen using a camera housing with a tubular housing part and distal end wall, integrally molded for a tight fit, and a support structure with a tubular end part and distal end to ensure precise positioning, sealed against the camera lumen, and a tapered design for glue application.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the camera module is manually fitted into the peripheral lumen by dilation and glue fixation, then the camera module can be mounted in the lumen, but the assembly process becomes cumbersome and positioning precision is difficult to ensure
Solution Approach 1:
The camera housing is divided into multiple components: a tubular housing part that fits into the camera lumen, a distal end wall, and a support structure. This segmentation allows each part to be manufactured separately with precise dimensions and then assembled together, ensuring both ease of manufacture and positioning precision. The tubular housing part can be inserted into the camera lumen without dilation, while the support structure provides precise positioning for the camera module.
Solution Approach 2:
The camera housing components are nested within each other: the support structure is positioned within the tubular housing part, and the camera module is mounted on the support structure. This nested arrangement ensures precise positioning of the camera module relative to the camera lumen while simplifying the assembly process, as each nested component guides the placement of the next.
2Reliability
If the camera module is fixed using dilation and glue, then the camera module can be secured in the lumen, but the angle of view is restricted and correct positioning is difficult to achieve
Solution Approach 1:
The tubular housing part is designed with dimensions that allow it to be inserted into the camera lumen without requiring dilation. This preliminary action of proper sizing ensures that the camera housing is securely positioned in the lumen before the camera module is mounted, eliminating the need for dilation and preserving the correct angle of view.
Solution Approach 2:
The support structure acts as an intermediary between the camera module and the camera lumen. It provides a mounting surface for the camera module while maintaining the correct spatial relationship and angle of view. The support structure translates the secure positioning of the camera housing in the lumen into precise positioning of the camera module.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a dedicated peripheral lumen is used for the camera, then the camera can be integrated in the tube, but the assembly process requires multiple steps including dilation and glue application
Solution Approach 1:
The tubular housing part and distal end wall are integrally moulded to form a single camera housing component. This merging reduces the number of parts and assembly steps. The integrated housing is inserted into the camera lumen as one piece, eliminating the need for separate dilation and glue application steps, while still providing secure integration of the camera in the tube.
Data Source
AI summary
The tube has a first lumen with a proximal end and an open distal end to be placed inside a body cavity. An outer wall encloses the first lumen and a camera lumen. A camera module (10) is arranged in the camera lumen at a distal end thereof so that the camera module is positioned adjacent the distal end of the first lumen. An image transmission cable (13) attached to the camera module extends through the camera lumen to connect to an image display device. The camera module is fixed in the camera lumen by means of a camera housing (14) including a tubular housing part (17) surrounding the camera module and a distal end wall (18). The tubular housing part and the distal end wall are integrally moulded and form one single housing element (19). The tubular housing part fits tightly into the camera lumen of the tube.