Endoscope Handle Compartment Layout for PCB and Steering Wire Isolation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing endoscopes face the risk of mechanical and electrical damage to the printed circuit board due to the movement of steering wires within the housing, necessitating labor-intensive encapsulation processes that increase manufacturing costs.

Innovation Solution

The endoscope design incorporates a separation means that separates the printed circuit board and steering wires into distinct compartments within the proximal endoscope handle, preventing direct contact and eliminating the need for additional encapsulation, thereby enhancing operational safety and reducing manufacturing costs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the printed circuit board is encapsulated with a protective layer to protect from steering wires, then the reliability is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotection of printed circuit boardVSAvoidencapsulation process

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The housing is divided into multiple compartments using partition walls, with the printed circuit board compartment separated from the steering wire compartment. This segmentation physically isolates the printed circuit board from steering wires, eliminating the need for additional encapsulation while maintaining protection and reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If labor-intensive encapsulation processes are used to protect the printed circuit board, then the reliability is improved, but the productivity decreases and manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotection of printed circuit boardVSAvoidmanufacturing efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Reliability

If the printed circuit board is enclosed in a separate compartment, then the reliability is improved by preventing damage, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotection of printed circuit boardVSAvoidhousing structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The protective function is merged into the housing structure itself through integrated partition walls. Instead of adding separate protective layers or encapsulation components, the housing is designed with internal compartments that inherently protect the printed circuit board, combining structural support and protection functions in one element.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS12527464B2Endoscope comprising an endoscope handle with a separation means

Publication Date: 2026.01.20 AMBU AS

AI summary

An endoscope including a distal tip unit having an optical system; a handle having a housing, a printed circuit board, and an operating unit for steering the distal tip unit, the housing enclosing the printed circuit board; a bending section; and a steering wire for controlling a bending movement of the bending section, the steering wire being connected to the operating unit. The printed circuit board is configured to process information received from the optical system via cables extending from the distal tip unit. A separation means arranged in the housing and separates an inner space of the housing at least into a printed circuit board compartment accommodating the printed circuit board and a steering wire compartment accommodating the steering wire.