Endoscope Imaging Module Sleeve Reinforcement

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Endoscope devices face challenges in protecting the connection between the imaging element and the mounting substrate from external forces and noise interference, leading to potential damage when the insertion portion is bent, and existing solutions complicate the arrangement of electronic components and signal cables, increasing the length of the rigid portion.

Innovation Solution

The imaging module incorporates a metallic reinforcing member with a sleeve shape that covers the connection portion, keeping it away from the imaging element and substrate, and uses protrusion portions on the mounting substrate to allow perpendicular mounting of electronic components, reducing the length of the rigid portion and minimizing noise interference.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a metallic reinforcing member is placed close to the imaging element to protect the connection portion, then the protection effect is improved, but noise interference and static electricity influence increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotection of connection portionVSAvoidnoise interference

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

An insulating member is introduced as an intermediary between the metallic reinforcing member and the imaging element/mounting substrate. This insulating member prevents direct contact, thereby blocking the transmission of noise and static electricity while allowing the reinforcing member to maintain its protective function against external forces.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The insulating member is nested within the hollow cavity of the metallic reinforcing member, creating a layered protective structure. The reinforcing member provides mechanical protection while the nested insulating member provides electrical isolation, achieving both protection functions without interference.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the mounting substrate is extended in the optical axis direction to accommodate electronic components, then component arrangement is improved, but the length of the rigid portion increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecomponent arrangementVSAvoidlength of rigid portion

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

Electronic components are arranged in the radial direction (perpendicular to the optical axis) rather than extending along the optical axis. This dimensional change allows components to be positioned within the hollow cavity of the reinforcing member, reducing the axial length of the rigid portion while maintaining component adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The mounting substrate utilizes the hollow cavity space of the reinforcing member as a flexible arrangement zone, allowing electronic components to be positioned radially without requiring additional axial extension of the rigid portion.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

3Reliability

If the inner circumferential surface of the reinforcing member is close to the imaging element, then the protective coverage is improved, but the risk of static electricity and noise influence increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotective coverageVSAvoidstatic electricity influence

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The insulating member serves as a mediator positioned between the metallic reinforcing member and the imaging element. It maintains the protective coverage by keeping the reinforcing member close to the imaging element while simultaneously blocking static electricity and noise through its insulating properties.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The insulating member provides localized electrical isolation precisely where needed - in the gap between the metallic reinforcing member and the imaging element/mounting substrate - without affecting the overall protective coverage structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentUS9345395B2Imaging module and endoscope device

Publication Date: 2016.05.24 OLYMPUS CORPORATION(JP)

AI summary

An imaging module includes: a solid-state imaging element including a light receiving face for receiving light; a mounting substrate including a connection portion which is located inside an imaging element projection area that is a projection area where the solid-state imaging element is projected in an optical axis direction and which is connected to a back surface of the solid-state imaging element on a distal end side of the mounting substrate, the mounting substrate on a rear end side being extended in the optical axis direction; and a metallic reinforcing member that has a sleeve shape open at both ends and covers the solid-state imaging element and the connection portion of the mounting substrate along the optical axis direction in a state where an inner circumferential surface of the reinforcing member is away from the solid-state imaging element and the mounting substrate.