Endoscope Circuit Board Assembly with Modular Metal Frames
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current endoscopes, such as colonoscopes, have limited fields of view and restricted access for surgical tools, hindering efficient medical procedures while trying to pack multiple necessary elements in the tip section without compromising functionality.
Innovation Solution
A multi-viewing elements endoscope circuit board assembly featuring a base board with metal frames for sensors and printed circuit boards, illumination circuit boards with curved panels for front and side illuminators, and lens assemblies, allowing for a broader field of view and enhanced tool access through a modular design with fluid channels and service channels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple elements are packed in the tip section of the endoscope, then the field of view and tool access are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The endoscope tip is divided into multiple functional modules including a first module with a first camera and first illuminators, and a second module with a second camera and second illuminators. Each module has its own circuit board assembly with metal frames for mounting sensors and electronics. This segmentation allows multiple viewing elements and tools to be packed efficiently while maintaining organized, manageable complexity through modular design.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple sensors and illuminators are mounted in the tip section, then the operational capabilities are enhanced, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The circuit board assembly is segmented into separate modules, each with its own metal frame for mounting sensors and illuminators. This allows each module to be manufactured and tested independently with standardized precision requirements, rather than requiring ultra-precise integration of all components in a single complex assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The metal frames serve multiple functions: they provide structural support, mounting surfaces for sensors and illuminators, and electrical connection pathways. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed and simplifies the manufacturing process while maintaining operational capabilities.
3Productivity
If a modular design with multiple circuit board assemblies is used, then the functionality is maintained while packing efficiency is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The circuit board assemblies are nested within metal frames that are integrated into the endoscope tip structure. The first and second circuit board assemblies are positioned adjacent to each other within the limited tip space, with each board nested within its own metal frame structure. This nesting approach maximizes packing efficiency while containing complexity within discrete, manageable units.
Data Source
AI summary
There is provided herein, an electronic circuit board assembly for a tip section of a multiple viewing elements endoscope, the assembly including a base board configured to carry a first metal frame to support a front looking viewing element and a second metal frame to support a side looking viewing element; and a flexible illumination circuit board comprising a front foldable panel configured to carry three sets of front illuminators for essentially illuminating the field of view (FOV) of the front looking viewing element, and a side foldable panel configured to carry a set of side illuminators for essentially illuminating the field of view (FOV) of the side looking viewing element.