Endoscope Imaging Unit Rigid Portion Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional endoscope imaging units have a lengthy rigid portion due to sealing resin creeping up the bent portions, which affects the compactness and functionality of the distal end portion.
Innovation Solution
The imaging unit design includes a first bent portion towards the imaging element and a second bent portion with a cable connection electrode forming region positioned opposite to the imaging element, along with a third bent portion to position the cable connection electrode near the optical axis, and sealing resin is filled around the junction to prevent creeping, thereby controlling the length of the rigid portion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If sealing resin is filled around the junction between the imaging element and the flexible printed circuit board, then reliability is improved by preventing resin creeping, but the device complexity increases due to the need for precise bent portion configuration
Solution Approach 1:
The bent portion is divided into multiple segments (first bent portion, second bent portion, and third bent portion) with different functions. The first bent portion connects the connection electrode forming region to the imaging element, the second bent portion positions the cable connection electrode forming region, and the third bent portion aligns the cable connection electrode. This segmentation allows precise control of resin flow while maintaining organizational clarity of the flexible printed circuit board structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The bent portions are pre-configured in specific positions and orientations before the sealing resin is filled. The first bent portion is positioned to direct resin away from the connection electrode forming region, the second bent portion is arranged to prevent resin from reaching the cable connection electrode forming region, and the third bent portion is configured to protect the cable connection electrode area. This preliminary arrangement ensures that when resin is filled, it naturally follows the intended path without creeping into sensitive areas.
2Length of moving object
If the rigid portion length is reduced for better compactness, then the endoscope's functionality is improved, but the sealing performance may deteriorate due to limited space for resin filling
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of extending the rigid portion length in one dimension, the solution utilizes spatial arrangement in multiple dimensions. The bent portions are configured in three-dimensional space with specific orientations and positions, creating effective sealing barriers without increasing the overall length of the rigid portion. This dimensional approach allows compact design while maintaining adequate sealing performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing resin is strategically positioned in specific local areas where it provides maximum sealing effectiveness. The bent portions guide the resin to concentrate in critical sealing zones around the junction between the imaging element and the flexible printed circuit board, ensuring reliable sealing even with limited resin volume available in the compact 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
This configuration effectively prevents sealing resin from creeping and allows for a shorter rigid portion, enhancing the compactness and functionality of the endoscope's distal end portion.
Implementation Method 1
a light receiver configured to receive light and generate an image signal by photoelectrically converting the light
Data Source
AI summary
An imaging unit includes: an imaging element including a light receiver and a connection terminal formed on a back surface of the imaging element; a flexible printed circuit board including a connection electrode forming region, a cable connection electrode forming region, and a bent portion provided between the connection electrode forming region and the cable connection electrode forming region; and sealing resin filled around a junction between the imaging element and the flexible printed circuit board. The bent portion includes: a first bent portion that is bent toward the imaging element from the connection electrode forming region located parallelly to the light receiver of the imaging element; and a second bent portion that is provided continuously with the first bent portion and lets the cable connection electrode forming region extend in a direction opposite to a direction toward the imaging element.