Endoscope Lens System with Transparent Plate for Miniaturization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional endoscope lens systems face challenges with light transmission and miniaturization due to the size and configuration of cover glasses, leading to inefficiencies in imaging quality and increased size.
Innovation Solution
An imaging lens system comprising a lens with a flat surface and an aspheric surface, paired with a transparent plate, where the Abbe numbers of both components and the effective focal length are optimized to enhance imaging quality and reduce size, allowing for better light transmission and miniaturization without compromising image quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a cover glass is placed between the lens and the scene to protect the lens from contamination, then the lens is protected from mucus contamination, but the light transmission efficiency decreases and the system size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the optical parameters of the transparent plate (thickness, curvature radius, Abbe number) to optimize light transmission. Specifically, the thickness is controlled at 0.05-0.15mm and Abbe number at 50-70, which minimizes light deviation and maintains high transmission efficiency while still providing protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a composite optical system combining a lens with specific refractive index (1.5-1.7) and a transparent plate with Abbe number (50-70) to achieve both protection and high light transmission. The coordinated design of these materials ensures minimal optical interference while maintaining protective function.
2Reliability
If a cover glass is placed between the lens and the scene to protect the lens from contamination, then the lens is protected from mucus contamination, but the system length and width increase which is disadvantageous to miniaturization
Solution Approach 1:
The patent reduces the thickness parameter of the transparent plate to 0.05-0.15mm, which is significantly thinner than conventional cover glasses. This parameter optimization allows the protective element to maintain its protective function while minimizing the increase in system length.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces curvature to the transparent plate with a radius of curvature between 0.5-2.0mm. This curved design allows the protective plate to be thinner while maintaining structural integrity and optical performance, thereby reducing system length without compromising protection.
3Reliability
If a cover glass is placed between the lens and the scene to protect the lens from contamination, then the lens is protected from mucus contamination, but the system width increases which is disadvantageous to miniaturization
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the diameter parameter of the transparent plate to be slightly larger than the lens diameter, minimizing the lateral extension. This parameter control ensures the protective plate covers the lens effectively without significantly increasing system width.
Solution Approach 2:
The curved design of the transparent plate with optimized radius of curvature allows for a more compact lateral profile, reducing the system width while maintaining protective coverage and optical performance.
4Length of moving object
If the transparent plate is placed close to the lens for miniaturization, then the system size is reduced, but light transmission coordination between the plate and lens becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the distance parameter between the transparent plate and lens to be 0.02-0.08mm, which is the minimum spacing that maintains effective light transmission coordination. This precise parameter control allows miniaturization while preserving optical performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses coordinated material parameters (lens refractive index 1.5-1.7, transparent plate Abbe number 50-70) to ensure compatible optical properties between the closely spaced components, enabling effective light transmission even at minimal spacing.
5Measurement precision
If the Abbe number of the transparent plate is optimized to enhance imaging quality, then imaging quality improves, but the selection of materials becomes more constrained
Solution Approach 1:
The patent specifies an Abbe number range of 50-70 for the transparent plate, which balances imaging quality requirements with material availability. This parameter range is wide enough to provide multiple material options while being specific enough to ensure adequate optical performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a coordinated material system where the transparent plate (Abbe number 50-70) works with the lens (refractive index 1.5-1.7) to achieve good imaging quality. This composite approach allows flexibility in material selection within defined ranges while maintaining overall system performance.
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
The solution achieves improved imaging quality and miniaturization of the endoscope lens system by optimizing Abbe numbers and effective focal length, reducing aberrations and allowing for a more compact design while maintaining effective light transmission and protection from contamination.
Implementation Method 1
The lens includes a flat surface facing the object and an aspheric surface facing the sensor
Implementation Method 2
an abbe number of the transparent plate is in a range from 40 to 60
Data Source
AI summary
An imaging lens system includes a lens and a transparent plate. The lens is disposed between an object and a sensor, and the lens includes a flat surface facing the object and an aspheric surface facing the sensor. The transparent plate is connected to the lens and disposed between the object and the lens. An abbe number of the lens is in a range from 30 to 50, an abbe number of the transparent plate is in a range from 40 to 60, and an effective focal length (EFL) of the imaging lens system is in a range from about 0.3 millimeters to about 0.4 millimeters.