Endoscope Dual-Cable Signal Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing endoscope designs face challenges in minimizing the diameter of electrical cables while maintaining effective signal transmission for both the actuator and imager, leading to potential noise interference and increased circuit size.
Innovation Solution
The endoscope system incorporates a dual-cable configuration with different outer diameters for actuator and imaging signal lines, along with a relay substrate and connector substrate design that separates ground planes and uses coaxial connectors to reduce noise and circuit size, improving signal integrity and observation performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single electrical cable is used to transmit both actuator and imaging signals, then the cable structure is simplified, but noise interference increases and signal integrity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the electrical cable into two separate cables: a first cable dedicated to transmitting actuator signals and a second cable dedicated to transmitting imaging signals. This segmentation isolates the signal paths, preventing noise interference between the actuator and imager, thereby improving signal integrity while maintaining manageable system complexity.
2Reliability
If the outer diameter of the actuator signal line is increased, then signal transmission capability is improved, but the overall cable diameter increases
Solution Approach 1:
By separating actuator and imaging signals into different cables, each cable can be optimized for its specific function. The first cable for actuator signals can have an appropriate diameter for its signal requirements, while the second cable for imaging signals can be optimized separately, avoiding the need for an excessively large diameter cable that would accommodate both signal types together.
Solution Approach 2:
Each cable is designed with local optimization: the first cable has characteristics suited for actuator signal transmission, and the second cable has characteristics suited for imaging signal transmission. This allows each cable to have the minimum necessary diameter for its specific purpose rather than requiring a larger diameter to accommodate both signal types.
3Reliability
If ground planes are separated in the connector substrate, then noise interference is reduced, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connector substrate is divided into first and second ground planes that are electrically separated. The first ground plane is associated with the first cable and actuator signals, while the second ground plane is associated with the second cable and imaging signals. This separation prevents ground loops and noise coupling, improving signal integrity despite the increased manufacturing complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
An endoscope includes: an insertion portion to be inserted into a subject; a distal end portion that is arranged on a distal end side of the insertion portion, the distal end portion including as imager and an actuator; an operating portion that is arranged on a proximal end side of the insertion portion, the operating portion including a relay substrate that is electrically connected to the imager and the actuator via a first cable; a connector substrate that is electrically connected to the relay substrate via a second cable; and a proximal end portion including a connector. The first cable includes a first actuator signal line. The second cable includes a second actuator signal line. The second actuator signal line has a larger outer diameter than an outer diameter of the first actuator signal line.