Endoscope Distal Frame Static Dissipation via Dual Conductor Patterns

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Solution Overview

Problem

Endoscopes with resin distal end frames face challenges in preventing damage to image sensors from static electricity, as they lack electrical conductivity.

Innovation Solution

The distal end portion of the endoscope includes a metal lens frame, an electrically insulating distal end frame with a through hole, and two independent electrical conductor patterns. The first conductor pattern connects the lens frame to a terminal on the distal end frame, while the second conductor pattern connects to a terminal outside the through hole, allowing for electric conduction confirmation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a resin distal end frame is used, then the endoscope can prevent electrical conductivity issues, but the image sensor becomes vulnerable to static electricity damage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrical safetyVSAvoidstatic electricity damage

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary conductive member (metal lens frame or conductive adhesive) between the image sensor and the resin distal end frame. This intermediary provides a controlled electrical pathway that allows static electricity to be safely conducted to ground through the exterior portion, preventing direct damage to the image sensor while maintaining the benefits of the resin frame's electrical insulation properties

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent converts the potentially harmful static electricity into a beneficial protective mechanism by providing a designated conductive pathway. The conductive member and exterior portion work together to channel static discharge away from the image sensor, transforming the harmful electrical charge into a safe discharge route that protects the sensitive components

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

2Device complexity

If a single conductor pattern is used, then the structure is simpler, but electrical connectivity cannot be confirmed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconductor pattern structureVSAvoidelectrical connectivity confirmation

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism for electrical connectivity confirmation by providing a second conductor pattern that creates a detectable electrical pathway. This second pattern allows the system to verify that the conductive member is properly positioned and that electrical continuity exists between the image sensor and ground, providing feedback on the correctness of the assembly

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

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 effectively prevents damage to the image sensor by allowing static electricity to be safely conducted to ground, while also enabling easy confirmation of electrical connectivity.

Implementation Method 1

a first electrical conductor pattern that has a first end and a second end, the first end of the first electrical conductor pattern being formed in the through hole and being in contact with the lens frame, the second end of the first electrical conductor pattern being connected to a first terminal

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Implementation Method 2

a distal end frame that is made of an electric insulating material and includes a through hole through which the imager is inserted

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical insulation: Electrical Resistance

Data Source

PatentUS12336691B2Distal end portion of endoscope, distal end frame, endoscope, and electric conduction confirmation method

Publication Date: 2025.06.24 OLYMPUS CORPORATION(JP)

AI summary

A distal end portion includes: an imager that is held by a metal lens frame; a distal end frame that is made of an electric insulating material and includes a through hole; an electrically conductive exterior portion; a first electrical conductor pattern that has a first end and a second end, the first end being in contact with the lens frame, the second end being connected to a first terminal that is in contact with the exterior portion; and a second electrical conductor pattern that is formed independently of the first electrical conductor pattern, and has a first end and a second end, the first end of the second electrical conductor pattern being in contact with the lens frame, the second end of the second electrical conductor pattern being connected to a second terminal that is not in contact with the exterior portion.