Endoscope Connector Pre-Alignment for Safe Fiber and Data Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Endoscopic systems face challenges in coupling optical and electrical components for advanced visualization techniques like stereoscopic imaging and laser mapping due to the space-constrained environment, lacking simultaneous pre-alignment mechanisms for connectors, which can damage delicate components.
Innovation Solution
An integrated connector module with alignment safeguards, including an alignment shroud and receptacle, provides sequential coupling of optical and data components, ensuring proper alignment through staggered rivets and a compliant data connector shroud to minimize tilt errors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional connectors are used to couple optical and electrical components, then the connection can be established, but the delicate components are vulnerable to damage during insertion due to lack of pre-alignment
Solution Approach 1:
The alignment shroud and alignment receptacle perform pre-alignment of the connector components before the actual coupling occurs. The shroud extends beyond the optical post and engages with the receptacle first, establishing proper alignment and guiding the subsequent insertion of delicate components like the optical post and electrical contacts, preventing damage during the coupling process
Solution Approach 2:
The alignment shroud acts as an intermediary element between the connector and the receptacle. It provides a robust guiding structure that facilitates safe insertion by establishing alignment before the delicate optical and electrical components engage, mediating the interaction between the two coupling mechanisms
2Ease of operation
If optical and electrical components are coupled simultaneously, then the connection process is simplified, but precise alignment of both components becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling process is segmented into distinct phases: first the alignment shroud engages with the alignment receptacle to establish mechanical alignment, then the optical post couples with the optical receptacle, and finally the electrical contacts engage. This segmentation allows each component to be aligned independently in sequence, achieving high precision while maintaining operational simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The alignment shroud adds a dimensional element to the coupling process by extending radially beyond the optical post. This creates an additional alignment dimension that guides the connector insertion from a broader engagement point, making precise alignment more achievable while keeping the operation simple
3Manufacturing precision
If the alignment shroud is made rigid for precise alignment, then alignment accuracy improves, but tilt errors increase
Solution Approach 1:
The alignment shroud is designed with localized compliance features at specific contact points with the receptacle. This allows the shroud to maintain rigid alignment in the primary insertion direction while accommodating tilt errors through controlled flexibility at designated locations, achieving both alignment accuracy and tilt tolerance
Data Source
AI summary
Integrated connector for coupling an endoscope to an external emitter and controller. A system includes a plug attached to a cable, wherein the plug includes an alignment shroud, a first fiber optic coupler, and a first data connector. The system includes a receptacle configured to receive the plug, wherein the receptacle includes an alignment receptacle configured to receive the alignment shroud, wherein the alignment receptacle is a negative space defined by a receptacle external shroud and a receptacle internal shroud, a second fiber optic coupler configured to interface with the first fiber optic coupler, and a second data connector configured to interface with the first data connector.