Endoscope Connector Light Source Heat Dissipation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional endoscopes with light sources integrated at the distal end face challenges in maintaining consistent illumination due to heat buildup, which can reduce light intensity over time and pose risks of heat conduction into the body during prolonged procedures.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a light source portion within the connector of the endoscope system, which includes an LED substrate and a heat-radiating member, allows for efficient heat dissipation and maintains light intensity by separating the light source from the distal end, thereby preventing heat accumulation and enabling continuous illumination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If the light source is integrated at the distal end of the endoscope, then the illumination can be provided directly at the target location, but heat accumulates and causes reduction in light intensity and safety risks
Solution Approach 1:
The endoscope is divided into functional segments: the distal end portion contains only the light receiving components (image pickup portion), while the light source portion is separated and integrated into the connector at the proximal end. This segmentation allows the light source to be positioned away from the body contact area, enabling heat dissipation without compromising illumination effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The light source portion is extracted from the distal end integration and relocated to the connector portion. This extraction removes the heat-generating component from the problematic location (distal end contacting the body) while maintaining its functional role in illuminating the target area through the light transmitting portion.
2Temperature
If the light source is placed in the connector portion away from the body, then heat dissipation is improved, but the light transmission path becomes longer
Solution Approach 1:
A light transmitting portion (optical fiber bundle) is introduced as an intermediary medium to convey light from the connector portion to the distal end portion. This intermediary allows the light source to be positioned at the proximal end for heat dissipation while still achieving effective illumination at the distal end target location.
3Duration of action of stationary object
If the light source operates continuously for extended procedures, then consistent illumination is maintained, but heat buildup increases over time
Solution Approach 1:
The light source is extracted from the distal end and positioned in the connector portion, separating the heat generation point from the body contact area. This allows continuous operation without heat buildup in the distal end, as the heat is dissipated at the proximal end where it can be effectively managed by the heat-radiating portion.
Solution Approach 2:
The heat-radiating portion is integrated into the connector to convert the harmful heat effect into a manageable thermal management problem. The heat generated by the LED is directed to the heat-radiating portion, which dissipates it effectively, allowing continuous operation without temperature-related failures.
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 consistent and increased light illumination for extended procedures without heat conduction risks to the body, enhancing the endoscope's performance and safety.
Implementation Method 1
a light source portion for emitting light to illuminate the object
Implementation Method 2
a heat-radiating portion capable of radiating heat emitted from the light source portion
Implementation Method 3
a light transmitting portion for transmitting the light emitted from the light source portion to the distal end portion
Data Source
AI summary
An endoscope of the invention includes: an insertion portion including in a distal end portion thereof an image pickup portion for picking up an image of an object in a living body; an operation portion connected to a proximal end side of the insertion portion; a cable including a connector portion connectable to a processor for performing signal processing on a signal outputted when the image of the object is picked up; a light source portion for emitting light to illuminate the object, the light source portion being provided in the connector portion; a light transmitting portion for transmitting the light emitted from the light source portion to the distal end portion to emit the light to the object; and a heat-radiating portion capable of radiating heat emitted from the light source portion, the heat-radiating portion being provided in the connector portion.