Ultrasonic Oscillator Unit Wiring Structure for Smaller Endoscope Tips
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current ultrasonic endoscopes face challenges in reducing the size of the ultrasonic observation part, leading to increased complexity in wiring and higher manufacturing costs, with existing solutions experiencing difficulties in maintaining stable manufacturing and high success rates due to complicated wiring structures and risks of cable disconnection.
Innovation Solution
An ultrasonic oscillator unit with a circular-arc arrangement of rod-shaped ultrasonic oscillators, a backing material layer, and a flexible printed wired board configured in a comb-like shape with a staircase structure to efficiently connect electrodes and cables, reducing the complexity of wiring and minimizing the risk of cable disconnection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the ultrasonic observation part is made small-sized, then the operability is improved and patient burden is reduced, but the wiring complexity increases and manufacturing becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible printed wired board is divided into multiple separate boards (first flexible printed wired board and second flexible printed wired board), each handling specific wiring functions. This segmentation reduces the complexity of wiring within the small-sized ultrasonic observation part by distributing connection tasks across multiple specialized components rather than requiring a single complex wiring structure.
2Volume of moving object
If the ultrasonic observation part is made small-sized, then the operability is improved, but the risk of cable disconnection increases
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible printed wired boards are provided with protective structures that cushion and protect the cable connections from disconnection risks. The flexible nature of the printed wired boards allows them to absorb mechanical stress and prevent cable disconnection, thereby maintaining reliability in the small-sized ultrasonic observation part where space constraints would otherwise increase connection vulnerability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If complex wiring structures are used to connect ultrasonic oscillators, then connectivity is achieved, but manufacturing success rate decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical wiring connections with flexible printed wired boards that provide electrical connections through printed conductive patterns. This substitution simplifies the manufacturing process by eliminating the need for complex manual wiring assembly, thereby improving manufacturing success rate while maintaining adequate connectivity for the ultrasonic oscillators.
4Ease of manufacture
If traditional wiring methods are used in small-sized ultrasonic endoscopes, then manufacturing costs increase, but if wiring is simplified, then connectivity may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible printed wired boards serve multiple functions simultaneously: they provide electrical connections for ultrasonic oscillators, act as structural support within the small-sized housing, and provide protective cushioning for cable connections. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, thereby lowering manufacturing costs while maintaining adequate connectivity for all ultrasonic oscillators.
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 enhances the workability and manufacturing success rate by simplifying the wiring process and reducing the risk of cable disconnection, allowing for a smaller-sized ultrasonic endoscope with improved operability and reduced costs.
Implementation Method 1
an ultrasonic oscillator array in which a plurality of ultrasonic oscillators 98 having a rod shape are arranged in a circular-arc shape
Data Source
AI summary
A ultrasonic oscillator unit including an ultrasonic oscillator array in which a plurality of oscillators are arranged in a circular-arc shape; an electrode part that is provided on at least one end surface of the plurality of oscillators perpendicular to a longitudinal direction thereof and that is electrically connected with the oscillators; a backing material layer that is disposed on a rear surface of the ultrasonic oscillator array; and a cable wiring part including a flexible printed wired board. The flexible printed wired board includes a cable connecting part that extends to a lower side of the backing material layer, is separated into a plurality of belt-like pieces, and has, in a comb shape, a plurality of strip-like electrode parts in which at least one electrode pad is linearly disposed in the longitudinal direction of each of the belt-like pieces.