Endoscope Lateral Illumination via Groove Particles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional endoscopes with both front-view and lateral-view capabilities face challenges in providing comprehensive illumination and observation, particularly in ensuring wide-angle lateral-view illumination without obstructing the field of view or increasing the diameter of the distal end portion, which can hinder insertion and observation in tubular organs.
Innovation Solution
The endoscope design incorporates a distal end portion with a front-view observation window, a lateral-view observation window, and a light-emitting member with a groove portion containing reflection particles that scatter light to provide wide-angle lateral-view illumination, allowing for efficient illumination of the circumferential direction while maintaining a smaller diameter and preventing obstruction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a conventional endoscope design with both front-view and lateral-view observation windows is used, then comprehensive observation capability is achieved, but the diameter of the distal end portion increases and insertion becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the front-view observation window and lateral-view observation window into a single integrated distal end portion structure. The light-emitting member is positioned to serve both observation directions simultaneously, merging illumination functions rather than requiring separate systems for each view type.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention utilizes the groove portion's depth dimension (extending in the insertion direction) to accommodate the light-emitting member and particles, rather than only using the circumferential dimension. This vertical arrangement in the groove allows comprehensive illumination without increasing the radial diameter of the distal end portion.
2Illumination intensity
If illumination means are added to provide wide-angle lateral-view illumination, then illumination coverage is improved, but the structure becomes more complex and the distal end portion diameter increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention uses particles arranged in the groove portion that scatter light in multiple directions, creating a diffuse illumination effect similar to porous material behavior. These particles enable wide-angle lateral-view illumination without requiring complex reflective surfaces or multiple light sources.
Solution Approach 2:
The light-emitting member illuminates itself and the surrounding area by emitting light in the insertion direction, which then scatters off the particles in the groove portion. This self-illuminating approach eliminates the need for separate illumination systems for lateral-view observation.
3Illumination intensity
If the light-emitting member is positioned to illuminate lateral-view observation, then lateral illumination is achieved, but it may obstruct the front-view observation field
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the illumination function by direction: the light-emitting member emits light primarily in the insertion direction toward the groove portion, while the particles scatter this light laterally. This segmentation separates the illumination path from the observation paths, preventing obstruction.
Solution Approach 2:
The particles in the groove portion act as an intermediary between the light-emitting member and the lateral observation field. They receive light from the light-emitting member and redirect it laterally, serving as a mediator that enables lateral illumination without requiring the light source to face laterally and obstruct the front view.
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 enables wide-range lateral-view illumination covering at least three-quarters of the circumference, facilitating smooth examination of tubular organs by providing both front-view and wide-angle lateral-view observations without increasing the diameter of the distal end portion, thus enhancing the operator's ability to insert and observe effectively.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of particles arranged in the groove portion and having a size sufficiently smaller than a depth of the groove portion, the particles illuminating an observation field of view side of the lateral-view observation window by scattering light emitted from the emission end surface of the light-emitting member
Data Source
AI summary
An endoscope includes: a distal end portion provided at a distal end of an insertion portion; a front-view observation window for observing an insertion direction of the distal end portion, which is provided facing toward the insertion direction; a lateral-view observation window for observing a circumferential direction of the distal end portion, which is formed along the outer circumferential lateral surface and has a lateral observation field of view; a light-emitting member having an emission end surface for emitting light in a distal end direction of the distal end portion; a groove portion formed on the outer circumferential lateral surface of the distal end portion so as to be longer than the emission end surface of the light-emitting member along the circumferential direction of the outer circumferential lateral surface of the distal end portion and opposed to the emission end surface, on a proximal end side with respect to the lateral-view observation window; a plurality of particles for scattering light arranged in the groove portion; and a transparent infill filled between the plurality of particles.