Endoscope Camera Module and LED on Flexible Printed Circuit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing endoscopes with larger cross-sections require larger incisions, causing more patient discomfort and are more costly, necessitating the development of smaller, low-cost endoscopes with minimal invasive capabilities.
Innovation Solution
A flexible printed circuit (FPC) based endoscope design incorporating a small camera module and LED, where the camera and LED are mounted on a flexible printed circuit with a compact structure, allowing for a minimized cross-section and efficient illumination and imaging within the body.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of moving object
If a smaller endoscope is designed to reduce incision size and patient discomfort, then the cross-section of the endoscope is reduced, but it becomes difficult to accommodate sufficient illumination and imaging components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the camera module and LED illumination source onto a single flexible printed circuit board (FPC). This integration allows both imaging and illumination components to share the same substrate, reducing the overall cross-sectional area while maintaining functional capabilities. The FPC serves as a common platform that houses both the image sensor and LED array, eliminating the need for separate mounting structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the flexible nature of the FPC to arrange components in a two-dimensional layout on the circuit board surface rather than stacking them vertically. This planar arrangement optimizes space utilization within the constrained cross-sectional area, allowing sufficient room for both camera and LED components without increasing the endoscope's diameter.
2Ease of manufacture
If conventional rigid circuit boards are used to mount camera and LED, then component mounting is straightforward, but the endoscope cross-section cannot be minimized due to rigid structure requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces rigid circuit boards with a flexible printed circuit board that can be bent and conform to the narrow endoscope shaft. The FPC maintains electrical connectivity and mechanical support for components while allowing the overall structure to be flexible and compact. This flexibility enables the endoscope to achieve a smaller cross-section while still providing stable mounting for the camera module and LED.
3Adaptability or versatility
If separate mounting structures are used for camera and LED, then each component can be optimized independently, but the overall device complexity and cross-section increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates both camera module and LED mounting onto a single FPC substrate, reducing the number of separate mounting structures needed. While the components remain functionally independent, their mechanical mounting is consolidated onto one flexible circuit board, simplifying the overall assembly process and reducing structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The FPC serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides electrical connectivity for both the camera and LED, acts as a mechanical support structure for mounting components, and enables flexible positioning of components on its surface. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate mounting brackets, circuits, and support structures.
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 design enables a smaller endoscope with a reduced cross-section, minimizing patient discomfort and incision size while maintaining effective imaging and illumination capabilities, suitable for use inside the human body.
Implementation Method 1
a LED for illuminating otherwise dark space inside human body
Implementation Method 2
a camera for capturing an image or video
Data Source
AI summary
An endoscope comprises a FPC (flexible printed circuit) having a first side and a second side, where the FPC comprises a first head part, a body part, and tail part. At least one solder pad is on the first side of the first head part, and at least one solder pad is on the first side of the body part. The endoscope further comprises a camera module mounted on the first side of the body part and a first LED (light emitting diode). A first side of the first LED is mounted on the first side of the first head part and a second side of the first LED is mounted on a first side of the camera module, while the first head part is bent. The second side of the body part is mounted on an end of a flexible fiber, and the tail part of the FPC is bent to mount on the flexible fiber.