Endoscope Image Pickup Unit Bonded Frames
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image pickup units for endoscopes face challenges in assembly efficiency and waterproofing, with issues in aligning optical axes and maintaining fixation strength, particularly when different frame fixing portions are used with the same adhesive, leading to uneven stress distribution and potential breakage during assembly or disassembly.
Innovation Solution
The image pickup unit incorporates a first frame fixing portion with a smaller fitting area bonded using a first adhesive and a second frame fixing portion with a larger fitting area bonded using a second adhesive or metal junction, where the second adhesive has a lower glass transition temperature than the first, allowing for controlled disassembly and reuse of components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the same adhesive is applied to all frame fixing portions, then the assembly process is simplified, but the frame fixing portions with different fitting areas experience uneven stress distribution leading to breakage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different adhesives to different frame fixing portions based on their specific requirements. The first adhesive is used for the first frame fixing portion with a smaller fitting area, while the second adhesive is used for the second frame fixing portion with a larger fitting area. This local differentiation ensures that each adhesive formulation is optimized for its specific application area, preventing uneven stress distribution and breakage while maintaining manufacturing feasibility.
2Ease of operation
If the insertion portion diameter is reduced to improve insertion property, then the endoscope can access narrower passages, but the structural strength and rigidity of the insertion portion may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The insertion portion is segmented into multiple functional sections with different structural characteristics. The proximal end includes a rigid portion for maintaining structural strength, while the distal end includes a flexible portion for navigation through narrow passages. This segmentation allows the insertion portion to achieve both insertion property and structural strength by having different regions optimized for different functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The insertion portion utilizes composite material structures, particularly in the flexible portion which may incorporate elastomeric or polymeric materials with specific mechanical properties. These composite materials provide the necessary flexibility for navigation while maintaining sufficient strength to support the integrated components such as the objective lens unit and image pickup device unit.
3Measurement precision
If the number of pixels of the solid-state image pickup device is increased to improve observation performance, then the image quality improves, but the size and complexity of the image pickup device unit increases
Solution Approach 1:
The image pickup device unit employs a nested configuration where the solid-state image pickup device is integrated within a compact housing structure. The objective lens unit is positioned to directly focus light onto the image pickup device with minimal intermediate components. This nested arrangement allows high pixel count devices to be accommodated within a space-efficient configuration, reducing the overall size and complexity of the unit while maintaining high image pickup performance.
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 enhances assembly efficiency, improves fixation strength, and allows for the disassembly of the objective lens unit and image pickup device unit without breaking the smaller fitting area, enabling the reuse of components and reducing the diameter and rigidity of the insertion portion.
Implementation Method 1
the first lens frame and the second lens frame are fitted to each other with a first fitting area and bonded and fixed to each other with a first adhesive at the first frame fixing portion
Implementation Method 2
the second lens frame and the holding frame are fitted to each other with a second fitting area and bonded and fixed to each other with a second adhesive at the second frame fixing portion
Implementation Method 3
the second adhesive has a glass transition temperature lower than a glass transition temperature of the first adhesive
Data Source
AI summary
An image pickup unit for endoscope is configured such that a first lens frame and a second lens frame are fitted to each other with a first fitting area and bonded and fixed to each other with a first adhesive at a first frame fixing portion, the second lens frame and a holding frame are fitted to each other with a second fitting area and bonded and fixed to each other with a second adhesive at a second frame fixing portion, the first lens frame, the second lens frame, and the fixing frame are bonded and fixed together with the second adhesive, the second fitting area is larger than the first fitting area, and the second adhesive has a glass transition temperature lower than a glass transition temperature of the first adhesive.