Endoscope Handpiece Air Sending Unit for Fog Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Image capturing devices used in oral cavities face fogging issues due to high temperature and humidity, which prevents accurate image capture, and existing solutions require an air sending unit outside the handpiece, complicating connections.
Innovation Solution
An image capturing device with a built-in air sending unit that uses a fan to warm and circulate air within the handpiece, directing it to the probe to prevent fogging of optical components without external air units.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an air sending unit is provided outside the handpiece to prevent fogging, then the optical component is protected from fogging, but the connection with the handpiece becomes complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the air sending unit with the handpiece into a single integrated device. The air sending unit includes a fan and air sending port that are built into the handpiece structure, eliminating the need for external air sending equipment and complex connections. This merging resolves the contradiction by maintaining fogging prevention functionality while simplifying the overall device structure and connections.
2Ease of manufacture
If warm air is sent to the observation target to remove adhered foreign matters, then the glass surface is cleaned, but the device structure becomes more complex with external air units
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the air sending functionality directly into the handpiece structure. The fan and air sending port are built into the handpiece, allowing warm air to be sent to the observation target for cleaning adhered foreign matters without requiring external air sending units. This integration maintains the cleaning function while simplifying the overall device structure.
3Measurement precision
If the probe is inserted into the oral cavity for image capture, then the observation function is achieved, but the optical component becomes fogged due to high temperature and humidity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary anti-action by sending warm air from the air sending unit to the optical component before fogging occurs. The fan generates a flow of warm air that is directed toward the observation target and the optical component, creating a protective air flow that prevents moisture condensation and fogging. This preliminary protective action maintains image capture capability by preventing the harmful fogging effect before it can occur.
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
Effectively prevents fogging of optical components by reducing temperature differences and maintaining clear imaging within the oral cavity without the need for external air sending units, enhancing device reliability and usability.
Implementation Method 1
air moved by a fan passes through a vent pipe and is exhausted from an exhaust port
Implementation Method 2
The flow of the air cools the electric components including a circuit for processing picture signals
Data Source
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AI summary
The present disclosure relates to an image capturing device (100) configured to capture an image of a target (99). The image capturing device (100) includes a probe (25) and a housing (30). The probe (25) includes an optical component (1, 2) and is configured to receive light from the target (99). The housing (30) includes electronic components each configured to process the light received from the probe (25). Moreover, the housing (30) includes an air sending unit (37), and a controller (40) configured to control driving of the air sending unit (37). The air sending unit (37) is provided at a position above the electronic components in the housing (30) when a user holds the housing (30) during utilization of the image capturing device (100), and is configured to supply air to the optical component (1, 2) provided in the probe (25).