Endoscope Distal Grounding via Sandwiched Wire
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Solution Overview
Problem
Endoscopes with imaging units at the distal end face challenges in grounding static electricity and high-frequency currents to prevent defects in the imaging unit.
Innovation Solution
The endoscope design includes a non-conductive frame component at the distal end, a conductive exterior member, an imaging unit with a conductive lens frame, and a wire that is sandwiched and fixed between the frame component and the exterior member, with an opening in the exterior member to cut the wire during assembly, ensuring electrical connection and grounding.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conductive part is provided in the imaging unit, then static electricity and high frequency current can be discharged to ground, but the imaging unit becomes more complex and harder to manufacture
Solution Approach 1:
The grounding function is segmented from the imaging unit by using a separate conductive member (bending piece) that is fitted over the distal end rigid portion. The wire is separately routed through the flexible tube and connected to both the imaging unit and the conductive member, dividing the grounding path into distinct components that can be manufactured and assembled independently.
Solution Approach 2:
A separate wire acts as an intermediary element to establish the electrical connection between the imaging unit and the conductive bending piece. This wire runs through the flexible tube and connects the lens frame (in the imaging unit) to the conductive member, providing a dedicated grounding path without modifying the imaging unit's internal structure.
2Reliability
If the distal end rigid portion is made non-conductive, then the imaging unit is protected from electrical interference, but static electricity and high frequency current cannot be discharged
Solution Approach 1:
The wire serves as an intermediary conductor that bridges the non-conductive distal end rigid portion and the conductive bending piece. It provides a dedicated electrical path for discharging static electricity and high frequency current from the imaging unit to ground, while the distal end rigid portion itself remains non-conductive for protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The grounding solution is implemented in a different dimension by routing the wire through the flexible tube (a separate spatial path) rather than incorporating conductive elements directly into the distal end rigid portion. This allows electrical discharge functionality to be added without compromising the non-conductive protective barrier.
3Reliability
If a wire is used to connect the lens frame to the conductive member, then electrical connection is achieved, but the assembly process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The wire is preliminarily routed through the flexible tube and positioned to connect the lens frame to the conductive bending piece before final assembly. The distal end rigid portion is fitted over the bending piece in a predetermined sequence, with the wire already in place to establish the electrical connection. This preliminary arrangement simplifies the overall assembly process by pre-positioning critical components.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible tube serves multiple functions: it provides mechanical flexibility to the insertion portion and simultaneously serves as a conduit for the wire to pass through. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate routing structures and simplifies the assembly process by combining structural and electrical pathways.
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 grounds static electricity and high-frequency currents, preventing defects in the imaging unit while maintaining a simple and reliable structure.
Implementation Method 1
a neighboring part of a second end portion on an opposite side of the first end portion of which is sandwiched and fixed between an outer surface of the frame component and an inner surface of the exterior member and configured to electrically connect the lens frame and the exterior member
Data Source
AI summary
An endoscope includes a frame component provided at a distal end portion of an insertion portion, an exterior member with conductivity in which the frame component fits, an imaging unit fixed to the frame component and configured to pick up an image, a conductive part provided in the imaging unit, an electrical connection part, a first end portion of which is connected to the conductive part, a neighboring part of a second end portion on an opposite side of the first end portion of which is sandwiched and fixed between an outer surface of the frame component and an inner surface of the exterior member and configured to electrically connect the conductive part and the exterior member, and an opening provided in the exterior member and configured to expose part of the frame component and cut an extra portion of the electrical connection part during assembly.