Endoscope Distal End Optical Layout for Narrow Diameter
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current endoscopes face a challenge in reducing the diameter of the distal end portion for insertion into a subject's body, as existing designs cannot accommodate further miniaturization while maintaining functionality.
Innovation Solution
The endoscope design incorporates a forceps port and imaging unit positioned side by side at the distal end, with a specific optical and mechanical configuration that allows the forceps pipe and tube to overlap the imaging element's light-receiving surface, optimizing the layout to achieve a narrower diameter without compromising the imaging and functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If the distal end portion diameter is reduced to minimize physical burden on the subject, then the insertion comfort is improved, but the space for accommodating functional components (imaging unit and forceps port) becomes insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dimensional reconfiguration by arranging the forceps port and imaging unit in a side-by-side configuration rather than传统的 opposing arrangement. This lateral positioning allows both components to be accommodated within a reduced diameter distal end portion while maintaining their functional independence and operational effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs asymmetric positioning where the central axis of the imaging element is deliberately offset closer to the forceps port side than the optical axis of the imaging lens. This asymmetric layout optimizes the spatial relationship between components, enabling compact integration while preserving imaging quality and forceps accessibility.
2Length of stationary object
If the forceps port and imaging unit are positioned side by side to reduce diameter, then the distal end portion size is reduced, but the optical path alignment becomes more challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The holder serves as an intermediary component that integrates both the imaging lens and the optical element (prism) in a predetermined spatial relationship. This holder ensures precise alignment between the imaging lens optical axis and the imaging element light-receiving surface, maintaining optical path accuracy despite the compact side-by-side configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a nested structure where the optical element (prism) is positioned within the holder that also contains the imaging lens. This nested arrangement allows the optical path to be bent by 90° while maintaining compact dimensions and ensuring precise alignment between components in the constrained distal end space.
3Device complexity
If the imaging element is offset closer to the forceps port side to optimize layout, then the component arrangement is simplified, but the distance from the imaging lens optical axis increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the offset distance between the imaging element central axis and the imaging lens optical axis as a critical parameter. By carefully controlling this distance to be within a specific range, the patent achieves a balance between simplified component arrangement and maintained optical performance, enabling effective imaging while preserving forceps operational space.
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 enables a narrower distal end portion for insertion while maintaining effective imaging and tool access, addressing the need for further miniaturization and reducing physical burden on the subject.
Implementation Method 1
an optical element that bends the optical axis of the imaging lens by 90° to make light that has transmitted through the imaging lens incident on the imaging element
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is an endoscope with a narrower diameter at a distal end portion of an insertion part to be inserted into a body of a subject.The endoscope includes: a forceps port; and an imaging unit, in which the forceps port and the imaging unit are disposed side by side at a distal end of the endoscope, the imaging unit includes an imaging lens, an imaging element having a light-receiving surface disposed parallel to an optical axis of the imaging lens, an optical element that bends the optical axis of the imaging lens by 90° to make light that has transmitted through the imaging lens incident on the imaging element, and a holder that holds the imaging lens and the optical element, a forceps pipe connected to the forceps port is disposed on a light-receiving surface side of the imaging element, in a case in which the imaging unit is viewed in a first direction perpendicular to the light-receiving surface of the imaging element, a central axis of the imaging element that passes through a center of an outer shape of the imaging element and is parallel to the optical axis is located closer to a forceps port side than the optical axis is, a part of the forceps pipe connected to the forceps port overlaps the light-receiving surface of the imaging element, and a central axis of the forceps pipe is located outside the imaging element. On a plane that passes through the optical axis and is parallel to the light-receiving surface, a part farthest from the optical axis is opposite to the central axis of the imaging element with respect to the optical axis in a case in which the imaging unit is viewed in the first direction.