Scanning Endoscope Ferrule Damping Section
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional scanning type endoscopes face challenges in maintaining image quality due to vibrations caused by the actuator's movement, which can lead to degradation of the scanning process and resulting images.
Innovation Solution
Incorporation of a damping section using a twin crystal type damping alloy in the ferrule holding member to absorb and reduce vibrations at the junction between the ferrule and the cylindrical member, ensuring stable image acquisition by minimizing the impact of vibrations on the illumination lens.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If an actuator is used to vibrate the ferrule to scan the object with illumination light, then scanning capability is achieved, but vibrations are generated that degrade image quality
Solution Approach 1:
A damping section made of vibration-absorbing material is introduced as an intermediary between the ferrule and the cylindrical member. This damping section absorbs vibrations from the actuator before they can propagate to the illumination lens and degrade image quality, while still allowing the scanning function to operate effectively.
Solution Approach 2:
The vibration-absorbing material in the damping section converts the harmful vibrations generated by the actuator into beneficial damping effects. The material's inherent vibration absorption properties are utilized to protect the optical system from degradation while maintaining the necessary scanning motion.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the ferrule is rigidly fixed to the cylindrical member, then structural stability is improved, but vibrations from the actuator are transmitted to the illumination lens
Solution Approach 1:
The damping section is placed locally at the joint between the ferrule and the cylindrical member, specifically where vibration absorption is most needed. This localized application of vibration-absorbing material provides targeted protection without requiring complete redesign of the entire structural assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The damping section serves as an intermediary element between the rigid ferrule and cylindrical member, allowing both to maintain their structural roles while preventing direct vibration transmission through the joint connection.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a damping section is added to absorb vibrations, then image quality is protected, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The damping section is integrated into the existing ferrule holding member structure, merging the vibration absorption function with the structural support function. This combination approach adds the necessary damping capability without requiring a completely separate additional component system.
Solution Approach 2:
The damping section is applied locally at the critical joint area rather than throughout the entire device, providing effective vibration protection with minimal additional material and structural complexity.
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
The damping section effectively absorbs vibrations, preventing image quality degradation and ensuring consistent and high-quality scanning and imaging during the scanning process.
Implementation Method 1
a damping section configured to fix the ferrule to the cylindrical member and absorb vibration of the ferrule
Implementation Method 2
a damping section using a twin crystal type damping alloy in the ferrule holding member to absorb and reduce vibrations
Data Source
AI summary
A scanning type endoscope includes a light guide section configured to guide illumination light, a ferrule provided along the light guide section, an actuator configured to vibrate the ferrule to thereby swing a distal end of the light guide section, a cylindrical member configured to include a space containing the light guide section, the ferrule and the actuator and being provided along the light guide section, and a damping section configured to fix the ferrule to the cylindrical member and absorb vibration of the ferrule, in which the damping section is formed of a ferrule holding member configured to hold a proximal end of the ferrule and a ring-shaped member configured to fix the ferrule holding member to the cylindrical member, be disposed near a joint in the cylindrical member connected to holding member and be made of a material that absorbs vibration of the ferrule.