Endoscope Deflection Unit Mechanical Stops for Imaging Quality
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Solution Overview
Problem
Endoscopes with variable viewing capabilities face issues such as shading effects and deteriorated imaging when the pivoting range limits are exceeded due to mechanical play, leading to suboptimal imaging conditions.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating mechanical stops at the first and second limits of the pivoting range, with the first stop formed at the distal end of a sliding element within the endoscope shaft and the second stop on the optical element mount, to prevent exceeding these limits and ensure consistent imaging quality, while also providing a shielding section to suppress scattered light.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If the pivoting range limits are set close to the mechanical play tolerance, then the imaging quality is improved within the usable range, but the risk of exceeding limits due to play increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary anti-action by providing mechanical stops (first stop at distal end of sliding element, second stop on optical element mount) that prevent the deflection unit from exceeding the pivoting range limits. These stops act in advance to counteract the potential harmful effect of mechanical play causing limit exceedance, ensuring reliable operation throughout the full pivoting range.
2Manufacturing precision
If a shielding plate is provided to suppress scattered light, then imaging quality is improved, but device complexity and manual adjustment requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the shielding function with the existing deflection unit and sliding element structure. The shielding section is integrated into the distal end of the sliding element, which is already part of the pivoting mechanism. This combination eliminates the need for separate manual shielding adjustments while maintaining scattered light suppression, thus improving imaging quality without significantly increasing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The shielding mechanism serves itself through the existing pivoting action. When the deflection unit pivots to change viewing direction, the sliding element moves axially, and its distal end with the shielding section automatically adjusts the shielding position. This self-adjusting mechanism eliminates the need for separate manual tracking or adjustment of the shielding, reducing operational complexity.
Data Source
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AI summary
The endoscope (1) is provided with variable viewing directions and has a handle (2), an endoscope shaft (3) that is connected to the handle and imaging optic that is arranged in the endoscope shaft. The imaging optic images an object located in a direction of view (5) as an image. The imaging optic has a deflecting unit, which is arranged at a distal end of the endoscope shaft. An actuating element (16) is attached to the handle and is mechanically connected to the deflecting unit. A mechanical stop is provided, at which the deflecting unit lies when a limit is reached.