Endoscope Distal-End Surface Layout for Observation and Fluid Supply
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional ultrasound endoscopes face challenges in efficiently arranging observation windows, illumination units, and fluid supply nozzles on the distal-end constituting portion due to the narrow area of the inclined distal end surface, which hinders effective insertion performance and accurate observation.
Innovation Solution
The endoscope design incorporates a distal-end constituting portion with a first flat surface and a second flat surface, where the observation window and illumination unit are positioned on the first surface, and the fluid supply nozzle is positioned on the second surface, with the second surface having a smaller intersection angle with the longitudinal axis, allowing for a larger area for arrangement and improved insertion performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If the distal end surface is formed by a single inclined plane, then the structure is simple, but the area for arranging observation windows, illumination units, and fluid supply nozzles is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The distal end surface is segmented into multiple flat surfaces (first flat surface, second flat surface, third flat surface) with different inclination angles relative to the longitudinal axis. Each surface provides a distinct arrangement area for different constituting units, thereby increasing the total usable area without requiring a single complex inclined plane.
Solution Approach 2:
The distal end surface transitions from a two-dimensional inclined plane to a three-dimensional multi-faceted structure. By introducing multiple flat surfaces at different angles, the arrangement space is expanded into additional spatial dimensions, allowing constituting units to be positioned on surfaces with optimal orientations for their respective functions.
2Measurement precision
If the observation window is positioned on a highly inclined surface, then the field of view intersects the longitudinal axis for better observation, but the area available for arranging other units is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The distal end surface is divided into multiple flat surfaces, each optimized for specific functions. The first flat surface is positioned to provide the optimal inclination angle for the observation window to achieve accurate field of view intersection with the longitudinal axis, while other surfaces accommodate additional units without compromising the observation function.
3Productivity
If all constituting units are arranged on a single flat surface, then the assembly is simple, but the arrangement efficiency and insertion performance are hindered
Solution Approach 1:
The distal end surface is segmented into multiple flat surfaces, each optimized for specific functions. This segmentation enables efficient arrangement of different constituting units on surfaces with optimal orientations, thereby improving arrangement efficiency and insertion performance despite the increased number of surfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
Each flat surface is designed with specific local qualities (inclination angles, positions) optimized for the constituting units arranged on it. The first flat surface is optimized for observation windows requiring specific field of view angles, while other surfaces are optimized for illumination units and fluid supply nozzles, thereby improving overall arrangement efficiency.
Data Source
AI summary
An endoscope includes: a distal-end constituting portion provided at a distal end of an insertion portion of the endoscope; an observation window having a field of view direction that intersects a longitudinal axis of the insertion portion; a first flat surface on which the observation window is arranged, the first flat surface constituting a part of a surface of the distal-end constituting portion and having a first intersection angle with respect to the longitudinal axis; a second flat surface constituting a part of the surface of the distal-end constituting portion, the second flat surface being provided on a distal end side or a proximal end side with respect to the first flat surface, and having a second intersection angle with respect to the longitudinal axis, the second intersection angle being smaller than the first intersection angle; and a supply unit arranged on the second flat surface.