Endoscope Insertion Portion With Aligned Image Pickup Units
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional endoscopes with multiple observation optical systems face challenges in maintaining a clear observation field due to body fluids and adhesions, and existing designs often compromise on the compactness and ease of use when integrating multiple image pickup units and air/water feeding nozzles.
Innovation Solution
The endoscope insertion portion is designed with multiple image pickup units positioned to align their electric charge transfer directions, and a single air/water feeding nozzle is strategically placed to ensure effective cleaning of the observation lenses while maintaining a compact and user-friendly design by positioning the units to avoid interference with the bending mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple image pickup units are integrated into the distal end portion, then the observation capability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple image pickup units are integrated into a single distal end portion, combining multiple observation functions into one compact structure. This allows simultaneous or alternative use of different observation optical systems while maintaining a unified insertion portion design.
Solution Approach 2:
The image pickup units are arranged in specific spatial configurations (e.g., different orientations, positions around the distal end) to achieve versatile observation capabilities without increasing the overall insertion diameter, utilizing spatial dimensionality efficiently.
2Reliability
If air/water feeding nozzle is positioned to clean observation lenses, then the observation field clarity is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The air/water feeding nozzle serves multiple functions: cleaning observation lenses, flushing body fluids, and maintaining clear observation fields. This multi-functional component reduces the need for separate cleaning mechanisms for each image pickup unit.
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning system uses the body's own fluids (water, air) to clean the observation lenses, eliminating the need for complex external cleaning mechanisms. The nozzle delivers cleaning media that automatically removes adhesions and body fluids from the optical surfaces.
3Volume of moving object
If image pickup units are positioned close together, then the device compactness is improved, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The distal end portion is divided into multiple functional segments or modules, each housing specific image pickup units or optical components. This segmentation allows for modular assembly and positioning, making it easier to achieve precise spatial relationships between components during manufacturing.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the distal end portion are designed with specific local characteristics (e.g., rigid vs. flexible sections, different material properties) to facilitate precise positioning of image pickup units while maintaining overall compactness. Local structural features enable accurate component placement.
4Ease of operation
If the insertion portion is made more flexible for easier insertion, then the ease of operation is improved, but the structural stability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The insertion portion incorporates dynamic flexibility, allowing it to bend and adapt to body cavities during insertion and operation. The bending portion can change its shape and rigidity as needed, providing ease of insertion while maintaining structural integrity when required.
Solution Approach 2:
Rigid and flexible sections are nested or combined within the insertion portion structure. The rigid distal end portion housing image pickup units is nested within or connected to more flexible proximal sections, allowing the overall structure to be flexible for insertion while maintaining local rigidity where needed for component stability.
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 ensures a clear and unobstructed observation field by effectively cleaning the lenses and allows for easier insertion and maneuverability of the endoscope, reducing patient discomfort and expanding the usable area within the body cavity.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of image pickup portions each including an image pickup device for obtaining an endoscope image
Data Source
AI summary
An endoscope insertion portion of the invention includes a distal end portion, and a plurality of image pickup portions each including an image pickup device for obtaining an endoscope image, wherein the plurality of image pickup portions are disposed in the distal end portion such that agreement is made between first and second electric charge transfer directions in which electric charges are transferred from each photoelectric conversion device of the respective image pickup devices, thus avoiding a sense of incongruity (stress to a user) from being caused by endoscope images displayed on a monitor, which are obtained by a plurality of image pickup units.