Endoscope Head Miniaturization via Conductive Traction Cable Anchorage
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Solution Overview
Problem
The miniaturization of endoscopes is hindered by the difficulty in integrating devices like LEDs, cameras, and working channels due to the need for smaller endoscope heads, which complicates the integration of electrical supply systems.
Innovation Solution
An endoscope head design featuring a conductor track and traction cables integrated into the endoscope head body, allowing for electrical connection and eliminating the need for a space-consuming electrical supply cable, enabling a cost-effective and space-saving design with reduced material usage and increased design freedom.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the endoscope head is made smaller for miniaturization, then the size of the endoscope head is reduced, but the integration of devices such as LEDs, cameras, and working channels becomes increasingly difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions into the traction cable anchorage: it serves as both the mechanical anchor point for the traction cable and as an electrical connection point (electrically conductive body) to the conductor track. This merging of mechanical and electrical functions at a single location enables miniaturization while maintaining device integration capability.
2Reliability
If a conventional electrical supply cable is used for the electronic instrument, then reliable electrical supply is achieved, but space is consumed and miniaturization is hindered
Solution Approach 1:
The traction cable is designed to serve dual purposes: mechanical function (controlling deflection through the anchorage system) and electrical function (supplying power through the conductive anchorage body to the conductor track). This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate electrical supply cables, enabling miniaturization while maintaining reliable electrical supply.
3Reliability
If multiple separate components are used for electrical supply and mechanical anchoring, then functional reliability is maintained, but the number of parts and assembly steps increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the mechanical anchoring function and electrical connection function into a single integrated component (the traction cable anchorage with conductive body). This reduces the number of separate parts and assembly steps while maintaining both mechanical reliability and electrical connectivity through the unified design.
Data Source
Figure 1(A)~1(C)
Figure 2(A)~2(B)
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates to an endoscope head on a deflecting end of an endoscope, comprising a moulded interconnect device (MID) moulded part (1) comprising at least one conducting path (21-28) applied on the same; at least one electronic instrument (3) which is seated in the MID moulded part (1) and can be electrically supplied by at least one conducting path (21-28) thereof; and a sensor (6). The invention further relates to an endoscope head on a deflecting end of an endoscope, comprising an endoscope head body (1) with at least one conducting path (21-28) applied on the same; at least one electronic instrument (3) which is seated in the endoscope head body (1) and can be electrically supplied by at least one conducting path (21-28) thereof; and at least one traction cable (4) the traction cable anchoring (41) thereof being seated in the endoscope head body (1); wherein the at least one traction cable (4) is electrically connected to the at least one conducting path (21-28) of the endoscope head body (1).