Endoscope Camera Head Downsizing via Electrooptic Extraction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing endoscope apparatuses face challenges in downsizing and temperature management due to the integration of electrooptic conversion units in the camera, which hinders handling and increases the risk of overheating during use.
Innovation Solution
The endoscope apparatus is designed with the electrooptic conversion unit positioned in the operating unit connected via a first cable to the camera head, allowing for downsizing of the camera and separating the heat source from the camera, thus preventing overheating and improving handleability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the electrooptic conversion unit is integrated in the camera, then the imaging function is complete, but the camera size increases and temperature control becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the endoscope system into separate functional modules: the camera head contains only the imaging element, while the electrooptic conversion unit is relocated to the operating unit. This segmentation allows the camera head to be miniaturized while maintaining complete imaging functionality through the distributed architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrooptic conversion unit is extracted from the camera head and placed in the operating unit. This extraction removes the heat-generating and space-consuming component from the constrained camera environment, enabling both downsizing and temperature management.
2Reliability
If the electrooptic conversion unit is provided in the camera, then signal conversion is achieved, but the camera temperature exceeds preset limits
Solution Approach 1:
The electrooptic conversion unit is extracted from the camera head to the operating unit, physically separating the heat source from the temperature-sensitive imaging environment. This maintains signal transmission reliability while preventing overheating.
Solution Approach 2:
The first cable acts as an intermediary transmission medium, carrying electric signals from the camera to the operating unit where conversion occurs. This intermediary approach maintains functional integrity while enabling thermal separation.
3Ease of operation
If the camera is downsized for handheld operation, then handleability improves, but space for electrooptic conversion is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system is segmented so that the camera head contains only essential imaging components, enabling miniaturization for handheld operation. The electrooptic conversion function is assigned to the operating unit, which has sufficient space and does not require the same portability constraints.
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 enables the downsizing of the camera head and prevents temperature increases, enhancing the usability and handleability of the resectoscope by allowing for a more compact and cooler operation.
Implementation Method 1
an imaging unit configured to receive light and convert the light into an electric signal
Implementation Method 2
an electrooptic conversion unit configured to convert the electric signal transmitted through the first cable into an optical signal
Data Source
AI summary
An endoscope apparatus includes: a camera including an imaging unit configured to receive light and convert the light into an electric signal; a first cable configured to transmit the electric signal, one end of the first cable being connected to the camera; an operating unit connected to another end of the first cable and including an electrooptic conversion unit configured to convert the electric signal transmitted through the first cable into an optical signal, and a switch configured to receive user operations; a second cable configured to transmit the optical signal, one end of the second cable being connected to the operating unit; and a connector provided to another end of the second cable and configured to connect the other end of the second cable to an external device.