Endoscope Lens Unit Mounting for Downsizing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing endoscopes face challenges in downsizing and cost reduction due to complex configurations and the need for multiple components, which increases the diameter and complexity of the insertion portion, making it difficult to reduce the outer diameter and length while maintaining effective image capture.
Innovation Solution
The endoscope design incorporates a lens unit with a tubular metal structure, a small Charge Coupled Device (CCD) or Complementary Metal-Oxide Semiconductor (CMOS) image capturing element, and an adhesive resin to securely attach the lens unit to the image capturing element, eliminating the need for additional frames or holders, and using a mold resin for sealing and light blocking, while optimizing the refractive index difference for improved optical performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a frame and holder are used to secure the lens unit and image capturing element, then structural stability is improved, but the diameter of the insertion portion increases and device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the frame and holder into a single integrated structure that serves both support and positioning functions. The lens unit is directly mounted on the image capturing element without requiring separate framing structures, thereby reducing the overall diameter while maintaining structural stability through the unified design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and eliminates the separate holder component that was previously needed to secure the lens unit. By integrating the securing function directly into the lens unit mounting structure, the design removes unnecessary components that contributed to increased diameter and complexity.
2Stability of the object's composition
If multiple components (frame, holder, glass plate) are used to assemble the leading end portion, then structural integrity is improved, but the number of components increases and manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple discrete components (frame, holder, glass plate) into fewer integrated structures. The lens unit assembly is designed to be directly mountable on the image capturing element without requiring separate holding frames, thereby reducing component count while preserving structural integrity through streamlined design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements multi-functional components that perform multiple roles simultaneously. The lens unit structure serves both as the optical element support and as the securing mechanism, eliminating the need for dedicated holder components and reducing overall assembly complexity.
3Manufacturing precision
If a frame structure is used to secure components, then positioning accuracy is improved, but the diameter of the leading end portion increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a two-dimensional frame-based positioning approach to a three-dimensional integrated mounting structure. By utilizing vertical stacking and direct mounting on the image capturing element, the design achieves precise positioning without requiring lateral expansion through frame structures, thereby maintaining small diameter.
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 allows for a significant reduction in the diameter of the endoscope's leading end portion, improves image quality, and reduces manufacturing costs by simplifying the structure and minimizing the number of components, while maintaining high accuracy and productivity.
Implementation Method 1
a lens unit 35 and a small image capturing element 33 are positioned, and then fixed to each other by an adhesive resin 37
Implementation Method 2
using a mold resin for sealing and light blocking
Data Source
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AI summary
An endoscope (11) which promotes downsizing and cost reduction, and a manufacturing method of an endoscope are provided. For this reason, in an endoscope, a lens unit (35) containing a lens (L3) in a lens tube (39), an image capturing element (33) of which an image capturing surface (41) is covered with element cover glass (43), and an adhesive resin (37) fixing the lens unit of which an optical axis (LC) of the lens is coincident with the center of the image capturing surface to the element cover glass with a separation portion (47) are disposed.