Endoscope Transparent Distal-Element Refractive Index Flare Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional endoscopes suffer from flare due to illumination light entering the objective optical system through a transparent distal-end element, which is not effectively suppressed by the radial partitioning frame, leading to reduced image quality and increased diameter.
Innovation Solution
The endoscope design features a transparent distal-end element with a higher refractive index than the materials in contact with the through-hole, allowing illumination light to enter the objective optical system through their boundary, with the objective optical system being directly fitted into the through-hole without a frame, and optionally using resin layers with increasing refractive indices or inclined surfaces to manage light incidence.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a radial partitioning frame is used to separate the objective optical system from the transparent distal-end element, then flare suppression is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the radial partitioning frame from the endoscope structure and replaces it with a refractive index barrier at the boundary between the transparent distal-end element and the objective optical system. This extracts the harmful frame structure while maintaining flare suppression functionality through optical property differences.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes changes in refractive index parameters to control light behavior. By ensuring the transparent distal-end element has a higher refractive index than the objective optical system materials, the design creates effective light barriers without mechanical frames, resolving the contradiction between flare suppression and structural simplicity.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a radial partitioning frame is used to separate the objective optical system from the transparent distal-end element, then flare suppression is improved, but the outside diameter increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the radial partitioning frame that would increase the outside diameter, replacing it with an optical property-based solution at the material boundary. This extraction of the mechanical frame directly addresses the diameter increase problem while maintaining flare control.
Solution Approach 2:
By changing from a mechanical separation approach to an optical property-based separation (refractive index difference), the patent reduces the overall outside diameter while maintaining effective flare suppression. The refractive index parameter control allows for a more compact design.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a radial partitioning frame is used to separate the objective optical system from the transparent distal-end element, then flare suppression is improved, but production and assembly costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the radial partitioning frame that adds manufacturing and assembly complexity, replacing it with a solution based on material selection and boundary design. This extraction eliminates the need for additional framing components and their associated assembly steps.
Solution Approach 2:
By utilizing refractive index parameter differences between materials, the patent simplifies manufacturing to focus on material selection and precise boundary formation rather than assembling multiple framed components. This approach reduces production complexity and assembly costs while maintaining flare suppression effectiveness.
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 reduces flare by controlling the amount of illumination light entering the objective optical system, decreases the endoscope's outside diameter, and lowers production and assembly costs by eliminating the need for a frame and multiple lenses.
Implementation Method 1
a refractive index of the transparent material constituting the transparent distal-end element is larger than a refractive index of at least one material in contact with an inner surface of the through-hole
Data Source
AI summary
An endoscope includes: a light guide fiber having an exit end through which illumination light is emitted; a transparent distal-end element configured to hold the exit end of the light guide fiber and made of a transparent material that allows the illumination light emitted from the exit end to pass therethrough; and an objective optical system inserted through a through-hole provided in the transparent distal-end element, wherein at least a portion of the illumination light enters the objective optical system through a boundary between the transparent distal-end element and the objective optical system, and a refractive index of the transparent material constituting the transparent distal-end element is larger than a refractive index of at least one material in contact with an inner surface of the through-hole.