Video Endoscope Flexible PCB Angular Routing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing video endoscopes with flexible printed circuit boards for heating foils face challenges in assembly due to precise distance requirements between the distal section and proximal contacting points, leading to potential connection difficulties or failures due to length and positional tolerances in the shaft components.
Innovation Solution
The flexible printed circuit board is routed at an angle in a 'Z'-shaped configuration with a transition section that allows axial displacement of sections, and the annular space is widened to accommodate length tolerances, with a guiding element and heat-shrink tubings for insulation and protection, enabling adjustable positioning of contact points.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a flexible printed circuit board is used to contact the heating foil, then the axial installation space is reduced and the contact is less complicated to introduce during assembly, but the distance between the distal section of the heating foil and proximal contacting points is precisely specified, making it difficult to accommodate length and positional tolerances
Solution Approach 1:
The rigid flexible printed circuit board is transformed into a dynamically adaptable structure by routing it at an angle in a 'Z'-shaped configuration. This allows the circuit board to flex and adjust its position within the annular space, accommodating manufacturing tolerances in the shaft components and heating foil while maintaining reliable electrical contact.
Solution Approach 2:
The circuit board routing transitions from a purely axial (one-dimensional) arrangement to a multi-dimensional 'Z'-shaped path. By introducing angular routing in the radial and longitudinal dimensions, the design creates adjustment freedom in multiple directions, enabling tolerance compensation that would be impossible with straight axial routing.
2Device complexity
If the flexible printed circuit board is routed straight parallel to the longitudinal axis, then the structure is simple, but any length or positional tolerance causes displacement of contact points, making connection difficult or impossible
Solution Approach 1:
The static straight routing is replaced with a dynamic angular routing configuration that can adapt to position variations. The 'Z'-shaped path allows the circuit board to self-adjust and maintain contact reliability despite manufacturing tolerances, transforming a rigid connection scheme into a tolerant one.
Solution Approach 2:
The angular routing design anticipates potential misalignments and tolerances before assembly occurs. By pre-configuring the circuit board with adjustment freedom built into its path, the design cushions against the harmful effects of manufacturing variations, ensuring reliable connection without requiring post-assembly adjustments.
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 solution allows for flexible adjustment of contact points and improved assembly by compensating for manufacturing tolerances, ensuring reliable connections and reducing the risk of damage during assembly, thus enhancing the usability of video endoscopes.
Implementation Method 1
The flexible printed circuit board is routed at an angle in a 'Z'-shaped configuration with a transition section that allows axial displacement of sections
Implementation Method 2
heat-shrink tubings for insulation and protection
Data Source
AI summary
A video endoscope including: an elongated shaft having an inner shaft tube and an outer shaft tube; and an electrical connecting element extending in a longitudinal direction of the shaft between the inner shaft tube and the outer shaft tube. Wherein the electrical connecting element is configured as a flexible printed circuit board with at least one conducting path which is routed substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the shaft, and the electrical connecting element is routed at an angle with respect to the longitudinal axis of the shaft at at least one location of the shaft.