Endoscope Camera Unit Locking Mechanism for Axial Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing endoscope designs face issues with camera unit deformation due to fixing screws, poor adjustable axial positioning, and complexity in achieving a small diameter insertion section, which affects image quality and device compactness.
Innovation Solution
An endoscope design featuring a tip portion main body with a camera unit attachment hole, a locking member, and a locking biasing member that allows for orthogonal movement and fine adjustment of the camera unit's axial position without deforming the lens frame, using a locking plate and reinforcing member to secure the camera unit within the attachment hole.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a fixing screw is used to attach the camera unit to the tip portion, then the camera unit is firmly fixed, but the lens frame is deformed causing poor variable power operation
Solution Approach 1:
The harmful action of the fixing screw tip on the lens frame is eliminated by extracting the screw tip from the contact area. The screw head is positioned to engage only with the locking member, not the camera unit housing, thereby preventing deformation while maintaining fixing stability.
Solution Approach 2:
A locking member is introduced as an intermediary between the fixing screw and the camera unit housing. The locking member absorbs the mechanical stress from the screw, preventing direct contact with the lens frame and eliminating deformation while maintaining firm fixation.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the camera unit is firmly attached to the tip portion, then the camera unit is securely fixed, but the axial position cannot be adjusted
Solution Approach 1:
The fixing system is made dynamic by allowing the locking member to move axially within the tip portion main body. The screw can advance to lock the camera unit in place or retract to allow axial adjustment, providing both stability and adjustability as needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking member is pre-positioned to allow axial adjustment before final locking. The operator can adjust the axial position of the camera unit, then secure it in the desired position by tightening the fixing screw, combining adjustability with stable fixation.
3Volume of moving object
If the insertion section is made compact, then the device diameter is reduced, but the fixing structure becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The locking member combines multiple functions into a single component: it serves as both the element to be secured by the screw and the interface for axial positioning. This integration simplifies the overall fixing structure while maintaining compact dimensions.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking member performs multiple functions: it provides the engagement surface for the fixing screw, enables axial position adjustment, and secures the camera unit in the final position. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional components, simplifying the structure.
Data Source
AI summary
An endoscope includes: a tip portion main body provided at a tip portion of an insertion section; a camera unit attachment hole provided so as to penetrate the tip portion main body; a camera unit of which tip portion is fitted into a tip portion of the camera unit attachment hole; a locking member disposed at an outer peripheral surface of the camera unit so as to be movable in a direction that is orthogonal to the axial direction; a projection provided on either one of the locking member and the camera unit; a sliding portion provided on the other one of the locking member and the camera unit; and a locking biasing member configured to bias the locking member in the direction t orthogonal to the axial direction within the camera unit attachment hole and to push the locking member against the camera unit attachment hole.