Endoscope Image Pickup Unit Replacement via Segmented Lens Frame
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Solution Overview
Problem
The high cost and complexity of replacing and repairing the image pickup device in endoscopes, particularly due to the expensive optical unit and image pickup element, and the challenges posed by high-temperature and high-pressure sterilization methods that complicate the distal end lens fixation, necessitate a more efficient and cost-effective solution for maintenance and reuse.
Innovation Solution
An endoscope design featuring a housing with a through hole for the image pickup device, where the distal end lens is watertightly fixed and the optical members are held by a lens frame bonded with an adhesive agent, allowing for easy removal and replacement of the image pickup unit using a jig with stoppers, and utilizing a flexible adhesive agent with a modulus of elasticity of 10 MPa or less for easy disassembly and impact resistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the entire endoscope is exposed to high-temperature and high-pressure state for autoclave sterilization, then sterilization effectiveness is improved, but the distal end lens fixation becomes complicated and the image pickup unit requires firm fixing
Solution Approach 1:
The image pickup device is divided into separate components: the distal end lens is fixed to the through hole, while the image pickup unit is fixed to the lens frame. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently for sterilization and fixation requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
An adhesive agent with specific properties (modulus of elasticity of 10 MPa or less) is used to bond the lens frame and image pickup unit to the through hole. This parameter change in material properties enables easy disassembly after sterilization while maintaining secure fixation during operation.
2Reliability
If the image pickup device is firmly fixed to ensure stability during operation, then reliability is improved, but replacement and repair become difficult and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The adhesive agent is specifically selected with a modulus of elasticity of 10 MPa or less, which provides sufficient bonding strength for stable operation during use, but allows for easy separation during replacement or repair operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The lens frame and image pickup unit are preliminarily positioned and bonded to the through hole in a controlled manner during assembly, ensuring proper alignment and secure fixation that facilitates later removal if needed.
3Reliability
If the distal end lens is watertightly fixed to prevent contamination, then reliability is improved, but the fixation method becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The distal end lens is extracted as a separate component fixed directly to the through hole, independent from the image pickup unit. This allows the lens to be securely mounted and sealed without complicating the overall assembly structure.
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
Facilitates cost-effective and efficient replacement of the image pickup device, maintaining the distal end lens integrity and enhancing impact resistance while simplifying the repair process, allowing for reuse of the image pickup device without damaging the housing or signal cable.
Implementation Method 1
a part of the lens frame being bonded to the through hole using an adhesive agent, and the front portion being bonded to the through hole using the adhesive agent
Data Source
AI summary
An endoscope includes an image pickup device inserted into a through hole in a housing, in which the image pickup device includes an optical unit including a distal end lens and optical members, and an image pickup unit, the distal end lens is fixed to a distal end portion of the through hole, the optical members are held by a lens frame, the lens frame being inserted into the through hole, and a part of the lens frame being bonded to the through hole, and the image pickup unit includes a unit frame fixed to the lens frame, a front portion of the unit frame being inserted into the through hole and being bonded to the through hole, and an outer surface of a rear portion of the unit frame including stoppers to which a jig is to be fixed, the rear portion not being inserted into the through hole.