Endoscope Image-Capturing Device Sealing and Signal Transmission
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Solution Overview
Problem
Endoscope image-capturing devices face challenges in achieving a compact configuration for optical signal transmission at low cost while protecting the electro-optic conversion element from medicinal solutions and high-temperature, high-pressure sterilization processes.
Innovation Solution
The solution involves an endoscope image-capturing device with an image sensor in a sealed case and an electro-optic conversion element outside the case, where the image signal is transmitted as an electric signal through a sealing connector and converted to an optical signal, with a sealing member protecting the conversion element. This configuration uses a composite cable with optical fibers and electric signal cables, and a filling member seals the electro-optic conversion element to prevent exposure to sterilization processes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the electro-optic conversion element is provided outside the sealed casing, then the configuration is simplified and cost is reduced, but the electro-optic conversion element is exposed to medicinal solutions and sterilization processes
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into two separate sealed environments: the first sealed casing containing the image sensor, and the second sealed casing containing the electro-optic conversion element. This segmentation allows each component to be protected from harmful sterilization agents while maintaining a simplified overall configuration where the electro-optic conversion element does not need to be integrated into the first sealed casing structure.
Solution Approach 2:
A sealing connector serves as an intermediary component that transmits the image signal from the image sensor in the first sealed casing to the electro-optic conversion element in the second sealed casing. This intermediary allows the two sealed environments to communicate while maintaining their separate protective barriers against medicinal solutions and sterilization processes.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the electro-optic conversion element is provided inside the sealed casing with the image sensor, then protection against sterilization is achieved, but replacement becomes difficult and cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The electro-optic conversion element is housed in a separate second sealed casing that can be independently accessed and opened. This segmentation allows the electro-optic conversion element to be replaced without needing to open or compromise the first sealed casing that contains the image sensor, thereby maintaining protection while enabling easy repair.
Solution Approach 2:
The second sealed casing is designed to be openable and closable, providing dynamic access to the electro-optic conversion element. This allows the element to be replaced when needed while the first sealed casing remains permanently sealed to protect the image sensor from sterilization agents and medicinal solutions.
3Speed
If optical signal transmission is implemented, then data transmission speed and image quality improve, but the sealing connector complexity and size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing connector acts as an intermediary that handles optical signal transmission between the two sealed casings. By dedicating a specific sealing connector designed for optical transmission to this function, the complexity is localized to the connector itself rather than the entire device, allowing high-speed optical communication while maintaining manageable overall system complexity.
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 configuration allows for a compact, cost-effective optical signal transmission while safeguarding the electro-optic conversion element against sterilization processes, maintaining the quality of the camera head and reducing the complexity and size of the sealing connector.
Implementation Method 1
an electro-optic conversion element arranged outside the first case and configured to convert an image signal output from the image sensor into an optical signal
Data Source
AI summary
An endoscope image-capturing device includes: a first case inside of which is sealed; an image sensor arranged inside the first case; an electro-optic conversion element arranged outside the first case and configured to convert an image signal output from the image sensor into an optical signal; and a sealing member sealing the electro-optic conversion element.