Endoscope Illumination Lens Light Diffusion for Wide Viewing Angle
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional endoscopes with a 140° viewing angle struggle to observe the rear side of large intestine structures, necessitating a wider viewing angle and improved illumination for thorough observation and illumination of body cavities.
Innovation Solution
An endoscope design featuring an observation optical system with a wide viewing angle of at least 150° to 170°, combined with a slanted illumination optical system using a single illumination lens with a light diffusion process and an optical fiber bundle with a rigid and soft portion, ensuring even illumination and reduced light distribution unevenness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If a conventional endoscope with a 140° viewing angle is used, then the device complexity is low, but the observation range is insufficient and cannot observe the back side of large intestine structures
Solution Approach 1:
The endoscope is divided into modular components including a bendable part with multiple sections, each containing observation and illumination optical systems. This segmentation allows the distal end to be bent at multiple points to access hard-to-reach areas while keeping each module relatively simple in structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a bending dimension to the endoscope structure, allowing the distal end to change its spatial orientation. By adding this dimensional flexibility through the bendable part, the observation range extends beyond the limitations of a straight rigid scope without requiring a significantly larger or more complex overall structure.
2Area of stationary object
If the viewing angle is widened to 180° to observe a wider range, then the observation range is improved, but the illumination becomes insufficient and light distribution becomes uneven
Solution Approach 1:
The illumination optical system uses multiple illumination lenses arranged at different positions and angles, with each lens providing localized illumination to specific regions. The light diffusion process is applied selectively to create uniform light distribution across the wide field of view, ensuring each area receives appropriate illumination intensity.
Solution Approach 2:
A light diffusion process is introduced as an intermediary between the illumination lenses and the observed object. This diffusion mechanism redistributes the light rays to eliminate hot spots and dark areas, achieving uniform illumination across the 180° viewing angle without requiring excessive illumination intensity from any single source.
3Illumination intensity
If multiple illumination lenses are used to provide sufficient illumination for wide angle observation, then the illumination intensity is improved, but the assembly complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple illumination lenses and their associated optical fiber bundles are integrated into a unified illumination optical system within the bendable part. This merging approach allows the multiple components to work together as a coordinated system, reducing the overall assembly complexity compared to having separate illumination systems for each viewing sector.
Solution Approach 2:
The illumination optical system with multiple lenses serves multiple functions: providing uniform illumination across the wide viewing angle, adapting to different bending positions, and working with the light diffusion process to ensure even light distribution. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional specialized components.
4Illumination intensity
If the illumination optical system is arranged on an axis slanted with respect to the observation optical system, then the illumination uniformity is improved, but the structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The illumination optical system is deliberately arranged with an asymmetric, slanted axis relative to the observation optical system. This asymmetric configuration optimizes the illumination angles to achieve uniform light distribution across the wide field of view, particularly effective when the bendable part is in its bent state.
Solution Approach 2:
The slanted arrangement of the illumination optical system is designed to work dynamically with the bent configuration of the endoscope. When the bendable part is bent, the relative positions and angles of the illumination and observation systems change, and the slanted illumination axis adapts to maintain optimal illumination uniformity across the viewing field.
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
Enables comprehensive observation and illumination of a wider range within the body cavity with improved light distribution and reduced assembly complexity, maintaining a compact outer diameter and enhancing the endoscope's operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
An illumination lens of at least one of the illumination optical systems is subjected to light diffusion process
Data Source
AI summary
An endoscope includes an insertion unit; an observation optical system arranged at an end surface of the insertion unit in an inserting axis direction and having a wide viewing angle for observing a body cavity; and a plurality of illumination optical systems arranged on an axis slanted with respect to the inserting axis direction of the insertion unit and used when illuminating the body cavity. An illumination lens of at least one of the illumination optical systems is subjected to light diffusion process.