Universal Endoscope Adapter for Mobile Camera Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing endoscope systems face limitations in portability, compatibility with various smartphone models, and inadequate visualization due to small screen sizes, particularly in emergency and resource-limited settings.
Innovation Solution
A universal adapter kit that couples a mobile device to an endoscope, allowing for analog images from the endoscope to be displayed as digital images on the device's screen, featuring a mount pad, scope receiver, and guide for alignment, and optional optical lenses for image adjustment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a mobile device adapter is designed for a specific phone model, then the alignment and fit are optimized, but the device cannot be used with alternate phone models without reconfiguration
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter is designed with a universal mounting mechanism that can accommodate multiple phone models without requiring different configurations. The mount includes adjustable components and a standardized interface that works across different device sizes and shapes, eliminating the need for model-specific adapters while maintaining proper alignment and fit.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the adapter uses a fixed mounting structure, then the alignment is precise, but it cannot accommodate different phone sizes and shapes
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting structure incorporates dynamic adjustment mechanisms that allow the adapter to adapt to different phone sizes and shapes while maintaining precise alignment. The mount can be adjusted in position and orientation during assembly, and includes features like adjustable arms and repositionable mounting surfaces that preserve alignment accuracy across various device configurations.
3Measurement precision
If the adapter includes alignment features, then the camera lens alignment is improved, but the device size increases
Solution Approach 1:
Alignment features are concentrated only in the specific regions where precision is needed, such as the camera lens interface and mounting surfaces. The rest of the adapter maintains a compact, minimal design. This localized approach to alignment features provides sufficient precision for camera attachment while avoiding unnecessary bulk in other areas of the device.
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
Enables portable, versatile, and high-quality visualization using larger screens of mobile devices like tablets and laptops, overcoming compatibility issues and enhancing image clarity.
Implementation Method 1
a mount pad provided by a planar plate adapted to be fixed relative to the mobile device by an adhesive layer
Implementation Method 2
a camera lens of the mobile device captures an analog image from the endoscope
Implementation Method 3
light passing through the alignment aperture forms an alignment indicator shape displayed on the mobile device
Data Source
AI summary
An endoscopy system according to the present disclosure includes an adapter for coupling a mobile device to an endoscope. A guide can be included that enables proper alignment of the adapter with the mobile device so that a generally centered image is presented on the mobile device from the endoscope. Further, various embodiments of the adapter can include integrated optical lenses.