Endoscope Imaging Unit Thermal Isolation via Holding Frame Cavity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing endoscope imaging units face challenges in effectively managing heat transfer from the illumination optical system to the imaging-unit main body, leading to potential image quality issues and increased complexity in design.
Innovation Solution
The imaging unit incorporates a first abutting portion on the illumination lens barrel that abuts the inner surface of the holding frame, creating a cavity to narrow the heat transfer path and serve as a positioning feature, thereby reducing heat transmission to the imaging-unit main body and simplifying the design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the illumination unit and imaging-unit main body are held adjacent to each other by a distal end cover and distal-end rigid portion, then the structure can maintain simplicity, but heat transfer from the illumination optical system to the imaging-unit main body cannot be effectively suppressed
Solution Approach 1:
The holding frame is segmented into multiple parts (first holding frame for illumination unit, second holding frame for imaging-unit main body) with a cavity between them. This segmentation creates thermal isolation while maintaining structural support, effectively blocking heat transfer paths without requiring additional complex insulation components.
Solution Approach 2:
The cavity acts as an intermediary thermal barrier between the illumination unit and imaging-unit main body. By introducing this air-filled space, heat transfer is significantly reduced without requiring direct thermal insulation materials or complex heat sinking structures, thus maintaining design simplicity while solving the heat problem.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If additional positioning components are added to manage heat transfer, then heat transmission to the imaging-unit main body can be reduced, but the design complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The holding frame structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides mechanical support for both the illumination unit and imaging-unit main body, creates thermal isolation through the cavity, and establishes precise positioning relationships. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate positioning components, reducing design complexity while effectively managing heat transfer.
Solution Approach 2:
The positioning function and heat isolation function are merged into a single integrated holding frame structure. The first and second holding frames are positioned relative to each other to simultaneously achieve precise alignment and thermal separation, eliminating the need for additional dedicated positioning components.
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 effectively suppresses heat transfer from the illumination unit to the imaging-unit main body, enhancing image quality and reducing the need for additional positioning components, thus simplifying the endoscope's structure.
Implementation Method 1
a cavity is formed by the first abutting portion in the first axial-direction range between the first holding frame and the second holding frame... effectively suppresses heat transfer from the illumination unit to the imaging-unit main body
Data Source
AI summary
An imaging unit includes: an illumination unit that includes an illumination optical system; a first holding frame configured to hold the illumination unit; an imaging-unit main body that includes an imager, and an observation optical system configured to form the subject image on the imager; and a second holding frame configured to hold the imaging-unit main body. A first abutting portion configured to abut on the second holding frame in a radial direction of the first holding frame is arranged on an outer surface of the first holding frame.