Columnar Optical Member for Endoscope Distal End Downsizing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional endoscope apparatuses face challenges in downsizing the diameter of the distal end section of the insertion tool while maintaining effective light reception and image quality, due to limited light receiving areas caused by the reduction in diameter.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a columnar optical member with an incident surface, a reflecting surface, and an emission surface, combined with a cylindrical imaging holder and a lens unit, allows for efficient light condensation and emission, ensuring the optical axis center aligns with the light receiving unit, facilitating downsizing and reducing light loss.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the diameter of the distal end section of the insertion tool is reduced to downsize the endoscope, then the burden on the subject is reduced, but the light receiving area of the imaging device is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a columnar optical member with a substantially circular cross-section that redirects light from the objective lens to the imaging device. This optical member adds a new dimensional approach to light transmission, allowing light to reach the imaging device through a different spatial path that accommodates the reduced diameter constraint while maintaining sufficient light receiving area.
Solution Approach 2:
The columnar optical member acts as an intermediary element between the objective lens and the imaging device. It receives light from the objective lens, reflects it onto the light receiving unit, and enables effective light transmission despite the downsized distal end section diameter, thus mediating the contradiction between size reduction and light receiving area maintenance.
2Volume of moving object
If the diameter of the distal end section is reduced to downsize the endoscope, then the insertion tool becomes thinner, but image quality deteriorates due to insufficient light reception
Solution Approach 1:
By introducing the columnar optical member with its specific circular geometry and light redirecting surfaces, the patent creates a new optical path dimension that preserves image quality. The optical member's design ensures that light from the objective lens is effectively directed to the imaging device, maintaining image quality despite the reduced diameter.
Solution Approach 2:
The columnar optical member serves as a mediating optical element that ensures high-quality light transmission from the objective lens to the imaging device. Its reflective surfaces and geometric design act as an intermediary mechanism that preserves light intensity and image quality, preventing deterioration even in the downsized configuration.
3Area of stationary object
If a prism is mounted on the imaging device to ensure sufficient light receiving area, then light reception is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The columnar optical member performs multiple functions: it redirects light from the objective lens to the imaging device, defines the position of the incident surface, and is held by the cylindrical imaging holder. This multi-functional design achieves sufficient light receiving area without requiring separate complex prism mounting mechanisms, thereby reducing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the optical light redirecting function with the positioning and holding functions into an integrated columnar optical member structure. The cylindrical imaging holder simultaneously defines the incident surface position and holds the optical member, combining multiple functions into unified structures that reduce complexity compared to separate prism mounting systems.
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 configuration enables the downsizing of the distal end section of the endoscope while maintaining high image quality by ensuring efficient light transmission and alignment, reducing the burden on the subject and improving imaging capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
a reflecting surface for reflecting the light incident from the incident surface in a direction different from the incident surface
Implementation Method 2
a light receiving unit, formed on a surface of the imaging device, for receiving the light emitted from the emission surface and performing photoelectric conversion on the light
Data Source
AI summary
An imaging unit includes: a columnar optical member including an incident surface on which light is incident, a reflecting surface for reflecting the light incident from the incident surface in a direction different from the incident surface, and an emission surface for causing the light incident from a direction orthogonal to the incident surface and reflected from the reflecting surface to travel in a straight line and emitting the light to the outside; an imaging device including a light receiving unit, formed on a surface of the imaging device, for receiving the light emitted from the emission surface and performing photoelectric conversion on the light; and a cylindrical imaging holder, protruding from at least part of an outer edge of one end in line with a side surface shape of the optical member, for defining the position of the incident surface and holding the optical member.