Endoscope Image Pickup Unit Compact Assembly via Segmented Wiring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional endoscope image pickup units face challenges in compact design and ease of assembly due to complex electrical connections and the need for precise alignment of optical and electrical components, which can lead to increased size and risk of damage during assembly.
Innovation Solution
The image pickup unit incorporates a flexible printed wiring board that extends over the rear face of the prism and the projecting portion, with a terminal portion for electrical connections and an image pickup device connection terminal portion, allowing for a compact design with simplified assembly and reduced risk of component damage, using a holding frame to surround the optical axis and a prism with a reflective surface for optical axis bending.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a prism is fixed inside a frame-shaped member with complex electrical connections, then the image pickup unit achieves functional completeness, but the device size increases and assembly becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The image pickup device is separated into two distinct parts: the main body and the projecting portion. The projecting portion extends from the light receiving portion side and integrates the terminal portion, allowing electrical connections to be made in a separated assembly step rather than requiring complex integrated wiring during initial assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The terminal portion is pre-integrated into the projecting portion of the image pickup device before assembly. This preliminary integration allows the electrical connections to be prepared in advance, simplifying the final assembly process where the projecting portion is simply positioned to engage with the flexible printed wiring board.
2Reliability
If electrical connections are made through complex wiring during assembly, then complete electrical connectivity is achieved, but the risk of component damage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical connection system is segmented into the terminal portion on the image pickup device and the corresponding connection terminals on the flexible printed wiring board. This segmentation allows for simplified, localized connection points rather than complex wiring routes, reducing the risk of damage during assembly operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible printed wiring board serves as an intermediary element between the terminal portion of the image pickup device and the external electrical connections. This intermediary structure provides a robust, flexible connection interface that accommodates assembly variations and reduces stress on fragile components.
3Volume of moving object
If the image pickup device is positioned close to the prism for compact design, then the overall size is reduced, but precise alignment becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The image pickup device is segmented with a projecting portion that extends toward the prism while maintaining electrical connection capabilities. This segmentation allows the light receiving portion to be positioned optimally for compact design while the projecting portion provides a stable reference for alignment and electrical connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The terminal portion is positioned on a face of the projecting portion that is spatially separated from the light receiving portion. This dimensional arrangement allows the light receiving portion to be closely positioned to the prism for compact optical design, while the terminal portion extends to a different spatial zone for electrical connections, eliminating interference between optical and electrical alignment requirements.
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 enables a smaller, more compact image pickup unit with easier assembly and reduced risk of damage during assembly, while maintaining effective electrical connections and optical functionality.
Implementation Method 1
a prism having a reflective surface for bending an optical axis of the objective lens
Data Source
AI summary
An image pickup unit includes an image pickup device, an objective lens, and a prism that has a reflective surface. The image pickup unit includes: a projecting portion that is an area at which the image pickup device projects to the rear from the prism; a terminal portion provided on the projecting portion; a flexible printed wiring board that extends along the prism and the projecting portion; an image pickup device connection terminal portion formed on a face that faces the projecting portion of the flexible printed wiring board; and a cable connection terminal portion formed at an area that extends over the projecting portion of the flexible printed wiring board. The terminal portion and the image pickup device connection terminal portion are joined in an opposed state. An electronic component is mounted on a face on an opposite side to the reflective surface of the flexible printed wiring board.