Endoscope Distal Rigid Section Heat Insulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing endoscope distal-end rigid sections face challenges in maintaining rigidity while minimizing heat radiation from illumination sources and reducing manufacturing and repair complexities due to insulation requirements.
Innovation Solution
A distal-end rigid section comprising a metallic first base for rigidity and a resin second base for insulation, with non-circular through-holes and cylindrical portions to accommodate illumination and observation optical systems, allowing for airtight and watertight integration without additional adhesive insulation, and featuring hole portions for efficient heat management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a metallic first base is used for rigidity, then the structural strength is improved, but heat radiation from illumination sources increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a composite structure consisting of a metallic first base and a resin second base. The metallic first base provides structural strength and rigidity, while the resin second base with insulation properties prevents heat radiation from the illumination source. This composite material approach resolves the contradiction by combining materials with complementary properties in a single integrated structure.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If a resin second base with insulation property is added, then heat radiation is prevented, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the first base and second base into a single integrated structure where the resin second base is formed on the metallic first base. This merging eliminates the need for separate insulation components and adhesive layers, reducing assembly complexity while maintaining heat insulation functionality. The integrated design resolves the contradiction by combining multiple functions into a unified structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the insulation function from a separate component and integrates it directly into the second base structure. By forming the resin second base with insulation properties as an integral part of the assembly, the design eliminates the need for additional insulation parts and adhesive applications, thereby reducing device complexity while achieving heat radiation prevention.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If additional insulation parts and adhesive are used, then heat insulation is improved, but manufacturing complexity and repair difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the insulation function and structural support function into a single integrated second base structure. By forming the resin second base directly on the metallic first base with through-holes for light emission, the design eliminates the need for separate insulation parts and adhesive layers, significantly simplifying the manufacturing process while maintaining effective heat insulation.
4Object-generated harmful factors
If a distal-end rigid section is coated with an insulating cover, then heat radiation is reduced, but manufacturing and repair complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the insulation cover function into the second base structure itself. The resin second base with insulation properties is formed as an integral part of the rigid section, eliminating the need for separate insulating covers. This integrated design simplifies both manufacturing and repair processes, as the insulation function is inherent to the structure rather than requiring additional components.
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 manufacturing efficiency, reduces the endoscope's diameter, and prevents heat radiation from illumination sources, while simplifying repair processes by eliminating the need for additional insulation parts and adhesive use.
Implementation Method 1
a second base of a resin material with an electrical insulation property, the second base being airtightly and watertightly formed as one piece with the first base... preventing heat radiation from the illumination light source
Data Source
AI summary
A distal-end rigid section of an insertion section of an endoscope, includes: a first base of a metallic material, which constitutes a distal-end portion of the insertion section of the endoscope; a second base of a resin material, which is formed on an axially proximal-end side of the first base; a cylindrical portion protruding from the second base toward an axially distal-end side of the first base and including a non-circular hole portion in which an illumination light source having a non-circular outer shape, generating light and emitting illumination light is disposed; and a through-hole formed by opening a part along an outer peripheral surface of the first base, the cylindrical portion being disposed in the through-hole such that the illumination light is emitted to the axially distal-end side of the first base.