Endoscope Distal Light Source Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional endoscopes face issues with light loss and image quality due to long light transmission pathways and the need for external light sources and fiber guides, which result in limited depth of field, inconvenient operation, and increased complexity.
Innovation Solution
Integration of a light source and camera at the distal end of the endoscope with a processor in the handle, featuring a high-efficiency LED light source and a backside illuminated CMOS image sensor, along with a passive thermal control system and a focus-free lens, eliminating the need for external light sources and fiber guides, and optimizing image retrieval pathways.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If conventional endoscopes use external light sources and fiber guides for illumination, then light can be transmitted through the endoscope, but light loss occurs and the structure becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the light source and camera into an integrated assembly positioned at the distal end of the endoscope. This merging eliminates the need for separate external light sources and fiber guides, reducing light transmission losses and simplifying the overall structure while maintaining effective illumination for imaging
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a reflective member (such as a diffuser or mirror) as an intermediary element to redirect and distribute light from the light source to the imaging area. This mediator optimizes light distribution, reduces hotspots, and eliminates the need for complex fiber guide systems while maintaining uniform illumination
2Measurement precision
If conventional endoscopes use long light transmission pathways, then external light sources can illuminate internal features, but image quality deteriorates and depth of field is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the light source from the external system and relocates it directly to the distal end of the endoscope where the imaging occurs. This eliminates the long light transmission pathway through fiber guides, reducing light loss and improving image quality by placing the illumination source at the point of need
Solution Approach 2:
The patent positions the light source radially outward from the optical axis at the distal end, creating a three-dimensional arrangement where light is emitted from multiple angles around the lens. This spatial configuration improves illumination uniformity and expands the effective depth of field without requiring a longer transmission pathway
3Use of energy by moving object
If conventional endoscopes use external light sources, then illumination can be provided, but power consumption increases and heat generation occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent specifies using LED (light-emitting diode) technology for the light source, which operates at lower power consumption and generates less heat compared to traditional halogen or xenon arc lamps. This parameter change in the light source technology directly reduces energy consumption and thermal output
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates a heat sink in thermal communication with the light source to capture and dissipate the heat that is inevitably generated. By converting the harmful heat into a manageable thermal flow through the heat sink structure, the system prevents overheating while maintaining the benefits of integrated LED illumination
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 enhances image quality, expands depth of field, reduces power consumption, and simplifies the endoscope structure, providing stable and high-quality imaging with reduced heat generation and operational complexity.
Implementation Method 1
a light source including one or more light emitting elements is integrated into the distal end of the elongated body
Implementation Method 2
a thermally conductive substrate is affixed to the light source. A heat sink may be placed in contact with the thermally conductive substrate
Data Source
AI summary
An endoscope system includes an endoscope, a display device, and a cable interconnecting the endoscope and the display device. The endoscope includes an elongated body extending distally from a handle. An image sensor is disposed within a distal portion of the elongated body, a lens is disposed at a distal end of the elongated body, and a light source including one or more light emitting elements is integrated into the distal end of the elongated body and positioned radially outward of the lens. An integrated processor is disposed within the handle.