Endoscope Imaging Apparatus Reflective Light Path and Segmented Housing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing imaging apparatus for endoscopes suffer from poor assemblability and loss of optical performance due to the use of refractive optical systems and complex assembly processes.
Innovation Solution
The imaging apparatus includes a coupler to hold the endoscope, an exterior casing extending along a first axis crossing the optical axis, an optical system to guide light, and an imaging unit to capture the image. The exterior casing is designed with specific openings and parts to improve assemblability and maintain optical performance by housing the optical system and imaging unit side by side on the optical axis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a refractive optical system such as a prism is used to guide light, then the light can be directed along the first axis, but optical performance is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the refractive optical system (prism) with a reflective optical system using a mirror. The mirror reflects light from the endoscope's optical axis onto the first axis, enabling light guidance without the optical performance degradation associated with refractive elements. This substitution maintains the mechanical function of light direction while preserving optical quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a mirror as an intermediary element between the endoscope's optical axis and the first axis. This intermediary component facilitates the light path transition without directly interfering with the optical performance, serving as a mediator that guides light while maintaining system reliability.
2Ease of manufacture
If the optical system and imaging unit are inserted along the first axis into the exterior casing, then assembly can be performed, but assemblability is poor due to the longitudinal direction constraint
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the exterior casing into multiple parts with different opening orientations. The first opening faces the first axis for inserting the optical system, while the second opening faces the optical axis for inserting the imaging unit. This segmentation allows each component to be inserted from its optimal direction, significantly improving assemblability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a single-dimensional insertion approach (along the first axis) to a multi-dimensional insertion approach by providing openings in different spatial directions. The optical system inserts from the first axis direction while the imaging unit inserts from the optical axis direction, enabling easier assembly through dimensional diversification of access paths.
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 design enhances assemblability while preserving optical performance, allowing for efficient assembly and effective image capture without the need for refractive optical systems.
Implementation Method 1
an optical system configured to guide light of the image of the subject
Data Source
AI summary
An imaging apparatus for endoscope includes: a coupler; an exterior casing connected to the coupler and extending along a first axis crossing an optical axis of an endoscope, the exterior casing having outer dimensions in a direction along the first axis greater than outer dimensions in a direction along the optical axis of the endoscope; an optical system; and an imaging unit. The exterior casing includes a first exterior part, a second exterior part, and a connector part. The optical system and the imaging unit are housed, in the exterior casing, side by side on the optical axis of the endoscope such that light of an image of a subject guided by the optical system is captured by the imaging unit.