Endoscope Objective Optics With Isomagnetic Component Placement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing endoscopes face challenges in efficiently changing optical characteristics without interfering with the magnetic fields of the voice coil motor, leading to potential performance issues and increased diameter size of the distal end portion.
Innovation Solution
The endoscope is configured with internal components made of magnetic material arranged at specific positions relative to the isomagnetic lines of the magnetic fields formed by the magnets, allowing for efficient placement without disrupting the magnetic fields and maintaining a compact design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If internal components made of magnetic material are arranged around the objective optical unit, then the structural integrity and functionality of the distal end portion is improved, but the magnetic fields formed by the voice coil motor magnets are disrupted, affecting the operation of the movable frame
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by arranging internal magnetic components at specific positions where they intersect isomagnetic lines of the voice coil motor's magnetic field. This positioning ensures that the magnetic components are located in regions where their magnetic influence minimally disrupts the voice coil motor's operation, thereby maintaining local magnetic field quality where it matters most for actuator function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent resolves the contradiction by transitioning from a two-dimensional planar arrangement to a three-dimensional spatial arrangement. By positioning magnetic components at specific three-dimensional coordinates that intersect isomagnetic lines, the design accommodates both the voice coil motor's magnetic field requirements and the structural needs of internal components without mutual interference.
2Reliability
If the distal end portion diameter is increased to accommodate internal components and maintain magnetic field integrity, then the optical performance and actuator operation are maintained, but the overall size of the endoscope increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the nesting principle by placing internal magnetic components within the existing distal end portion structure, nesting them in positions that intersect isomagnetic lines. This allows the components to be accommodated within the current diameter constraints rather than requiring an enlarged structure, maintaining compactness while ensuring proper magnetic field conditions for optical performance.
3Adaptability or versatility
If magnets are arranged in the movable frame to enable optical characteristic changes, then the ability to move the movable frame forward and backward is improved, but the arrangement and magnetic field adjustment becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-positioning the magnets in the movable frame at specific locations that correspond to isomagnetic line intersections. This preliminary arrangement of magnetic components simplifies the overall magnetic field configuration, reducing the complexity of magnet arrangement while maintaining the ability to change optical characteristics through movable frame actuation.
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 ensures stable operation of the moving lens frame, maintains optical performance, and prevents the need for larger distal end portion diameters, all while keeping costs low.
Implementation Method 1
an actuator, the actuator being configured to move a movable frame forward and backward in a direction of an optical axis by using a plurality of magnets
Data Source
AI summary
An endoscope includes, in a distal end frame constituting a distal end portion, an objective optical unit including a voice coil motor that moves a moving lens frame forward and backward in a direction of an optical axis by using a plurality of magnets arranged on a periphery of the moving lens frame, and a plurality of internal components made of magnetic material and arranged around the objective optical unit. At least one of the internal components is arranged at a position where at least a part thereof intersects one of straight lines each connecting an extreme point of one of valleys of a specific isomagnetic line of magnetic fields formed by the magnets and one of two inflection points of the specific isomagnetic line, the two inflection points being located, with the one of the valleys positioned between the two inflection points.