Endoscope Image Pickup Unit Side Insertion Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing endoscope assembly methods require a larger rear opening portion to accommodate the lens section, leading to an increased outer diameter of the distal end portion, which hinders smooth insertion into body cavities.
Innovation Solution
An assembly method that includes a distal end portion with a front opening, side opening, and rear opening portions, allowing the lens section to be inserted from the side and the image pickup section to be fitted from the rear, with the rear opening portion having a smaller inner diameter than the lens section, enabling assembly without increasing the outer diameter.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the lens section is inserted from the rear opening portion, then the assembly process is simplified, but the rear opening portion must be enlarged, increasing the outer diameter of the distal end portion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the assembly process into two separate insertion paths: the image pickup section is inserted from the rear opening portion, while the lens section is inserted from the side opening portion. This segmentation allows each component to be inserted through optimally sized openings, avoiding the need to enlarge the rear opening portion for the lens section.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a side opening portion as an additional access dimension for inserting the lens section. Instead of forcing the lens section through the rear opening portion (one-dimensional approach), the invention utilizes the side dimension, allowing the lens section to be inserted laterally into the arrangement space portion without increasing the rear opening portion size.
2Ease of operation
If the rear opening portion is enlarged to accommodate the lens section, then assembly is easier, but insertion smoothness into body cavities deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the insertion paths for different components: the image pickup section uses the rear opening portion while the lens section uses the side opening portion. This segmentation enables the rear opening portion to maintain its small size for smooth insertion, while still providing easy assembly access through the side opening for the lens section.
Solution Approach 2:
The side opening portion acts as an intermediary access point for the lens section. Instead of requiring direct access through the rear opening portion, the lens section is introduced through the side opening portion, which serves as a mediator that enables assembly without compromising the smooth insertion capability of the rear opening portion.
3Volume of moving object
If the lens section is inserted from the side opening portion, then the rear opening portion size is reduced, but the assembly process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the assembly process into two independent insertion operations: inserting the image pickup section from the rear opening portion and inserting the lens section from the side opening portion. This segmentation, while adding a second insertion path, allows each operation to be performed independently and simplifies the overall design by avoiding the need for complex manipulation through a single enlarged opening.
Data Source
AI summary
In an assembly method for an endoscope image pickup unit, the endoscope image pickup unit includes a distal end portion main body portion including a front opening portion, a side opening portion, a rear opening portion and an arrangement space portion, a lens section including a distal end lens having an outer diameter that generally fits in the front opening portion, and an image pickup section that fits in the rear opening portion and includes an image pickup device arranged in an image forming position by a lens system such as the lens section. The assembly method includes steps for inserting the lens section into the arrangement space portion from the side opening portion, fitting the inserted lens section in the front opening portion, and fitting the image pickup section in the rear opening portion from a rear of the rear opening portion.