Bar-Shaped Fixing Element for Endoscope Optical Assembly Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
The miniaturization of endoscope optical systems poses a challenge in maintaining optical properties and structural integrity while minimizing the outside diameter, particularly in the holders that house optical elements and image sensors, especially in stereo-video endoscopes which require a space-saving design.
Innovation Solution
An optical system for an endoscope featuring a distal and proximal assembly with a bar-shaped fixing element that extends parallel to the longitudinal axis, allowing for a stable and space-saving configuration by simplifying alignment and using a cylindrical, rigid fixing element that can be integrally formed or separately welded, ensuring secure attachment without enlarging the diameter.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If miniaturization of the optical system is pursued, then the outside diameter of the endoscope is reduced, but the structural integrity and stability of the optical system deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The proximal optical assembly is nested within the distal optical assembly, with the proximal assembly being received inside the distal assembly. This nesting arrangement allows miniaturization of the overall endoscope diameter while maintaining structural integrity through the integrated holder design that securely holds both assemblies in a compact configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical system is divided into separate distal and proximal assemblies, each with its own holder structure. The distal optical assembly has a distal holder and the proximal optical assembly has a proximal holder, allowing independent optimization of each segment while maintaining overall structural stability through their interconnected fixing mechanism.
2Volume of moving object
If miniaturization of the optical system is pursued, then the outside diameter of the endoscope is reduced, but the alignment precision of optical assemblies deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The distal holder is provided with a fixing element before the proximal assembly is inserted. This preliminary preparation of the fixing structure ensures that when the proximal assembly is received and fixed to the distal assembly, the alignment is pre-established and maintained, achieving precise optical alignment in the miniaturized configuration.
3Volume of moving object
If space-saving design is pursued in stereo-video endoscopes, then the outside diameter is reduced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The holder structure serves multiple functions: it holds the optical elements, provides the fixing mechanism between distal and proximal assemblies, and maintains alignment. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, thereby simplifying the overall device construction while achieving space-saving design in the stereo-video endoscope.
Data Source
AI summary
An optical system for an endoscope, the optical system including: a distal optical assembly; a proximal optical assembly; and at least one elongated bar-shaped fixing element; wherein the proximal optical assembly is fastened to the distal optical assembly by the fixing element.