Endoscope Light Guide Fiber Bundle Replacement Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional endoscopes with wide observation viewing angles require replacing the entire light guide fiber bundle when damaged, which is cumbersome and prone to damage during replacement, affecting workability and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
The endoscope design includes a light guide fiber bundle with inclined illumination holes that allow for smooth replacement by creating a space for withdrawal after removing the observation optical system, enabling the fiber bundle to be pulled out obliquely and reinserted without damaging the existing structure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the light guide fiber bundle is connected as one fiber from the distal end of the universal cord to the endoscope distal end portion, then the illumination can be uniformly provided, but when a part of the light guide fiber bundle is damaged, the whole bundle must be replaced which is cumbersome and prone to damage during replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The light guide fiber bundle is divided into multiple independent fibers that are arranged in parallel within the bundle. Each fiber can be independently replaced without affecting the others, allowing partial replacement instead of replacing the entire bundle when damage occurs. This segmentation maintains illumination uniformity while significantly improving repair ease.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the observation optical system has a wide viewing angle of approximately 140 to 210 degrees, then a wider range can be observed, but the light guide fiber bundle must be disposed at an inclined angle which complicates the replacement process
Solution Approach 1:
The illumination holes are arranged in an inclined configuration relative to the optical axis, creating a spatial arrangement that allows the light guide fiber bundle to be inserted and removed along a different dimensional path. This inclined arrangement provides sufficient space for tool insertion and fiber bundle replacement while maintaining the wide viewing angle capability of the observation optical system.
3Ease of repair
If the light guide fiber bundle is pulled out from the side of the universal cord and reinserted, then replacement can be performed, but the process is time-consuming and increases the risk of damage to the existing structure
Solution Approach 1:
The illumination holes are pre-formed with specific inclined angles and dimensions that accommodate the light guide fiber bundle. The distal end rigid portion is designed with pre-configured spaces and channels that guide the fiber bundle during insertion and removal. This preliminary structural preparation enables rapid replacement without time-consuming adjustments or complex manipulation procedures.
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 design facilitates easy and damage-free replacement of the light guide fiber bundle, improving workability and reducing the risk of damage during maintenance, thus enhancing the operational efficiency of the endoscope.
Implementation Method 1
a light guide fiber bundle for guiding illumination light from a light source
Implementation Method 2
a wide-angle observation optical system for observing a subject illuminated with illumination light emitted from the light guide fiber bundle
Data Source
AI summary
Distal ends of the LG fiber bundles are held in a state of being inclined outwardly with respect to an insertion direction of the distal end rigid portion, an observation hole for holding the image-pickup unit is formed at the distal end rigid portion, illumination holes for holding the distal ends of the LG fiber bundles are formed around the observation hole, the illumination holes are inclined outwardly with respect to an insertion direction of the distal end rigid portion, extended lines of inclined angles of the illumination holes are set to pass through backward of the observation hole, and a space after removal of the image-pickup unit from the observation hole is secured as a space for withdrawal of the LG fiber bundles.