Compact Image Sensor Module With Overlapping Contacts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Modern endoscopes with electronic imaging devices face a rigidity issue due to the inclusion of a rigid imaging device, which limits the flexibility of the shaft, making it difficult to place the distal end at desired locations within cavities, and there is a need to reduce the overall length of the imaging device while maintaining necessary components and electrical connections.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a compact image sensor module with a circuit board having end sections that project away from the center section, allowing the image sensor contact fingers and cable assembly wires to overlap, minimizing the module's length. This configuration includes a flexible circuit board and dielectric shielding to separate electronic components from cables, enabling a tapered shape and reduced overall length.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a rigid electronic imaging device is used at the distal end of the shaft, then the imaging function is achieved, but the flexibility of the shaft is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging device is segmented into separate functional components: the image sensor, lens assembly, and cable assembly are positioned at different locations along the shaft. The image sensor is mounted on a circuit board that is positioned within the shaft rather than at the very distal end, allowing the shaft to remain flexible while still providing imaging capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The circuit board is configured with end sections that extend in opposite directions transversely to the longitudinal axis of the shaft. This dimensional arrangement allows cable assembly wires to overlap with image sensor contact fingers in the transverse direction, reducing the longitudinal length requirement and improving shaft flexibility.
2Reliability
If the image sensor module includes all necessary components and electrical connections, then the imaging function is complete, but the overall length of the module increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cable assembly wires and image sensor contact fingers are merged in space by positioning them to overlap along the longitudinal axis of the module. This allows both the cable connections and sensor connections to be made within a compact longitudinal space, reducing the overall module length while maintaining all necessary electrical connections.
Solution Approach 2:
The circuit board end sections extend transversely perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, creating a compact longitudinal profile. This transverse extension allows all necessary components and connections to be accommodated within a shorter longitudinal space, reducing module length while maintaining functional completeness.
Data Source
AI summary
An image sensor module includes a circuit board, image sensor, electronic component assembly, and cable assembly. The circuit board includes a center section located between two end sections. The end sections each extend away from the center section and define an interior area there between. The image sensor is secured to an outer face of the circuit board in the center section with sensor contact fingers being connected at the circuit board outer face in one or both end sections. The electronic component arrangement is mounted on an inner face of the circuit board in the center section. A number of wires of the cable assembly extend through an end gap between the circuit board end sections and are connected to the inner face of the circuit board so as to overlap with the sensor contact fingers along a module longitudinal axis.