Endoscope Illumination Segmentation for Miniaturization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional endoscopes with multiple light-emitting elements face challenges in miniaturization, leading to discomfort during operation and limited use in smaller body parts due to increased size, which restricts their application.
Innovation Solution
The endoscope device employs an optical fiber to transmit light to the front image capturing lens and a lateral light source to the lateral image capturing lens, both located outside the head tube, allowing for reduced overall volume and high-intensity illumination, while using flexible and rigid printed circuit boards for a stable support structure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If multiple light-emitting elements are used around the image capturing lens to provide high intensity illumination, then the lighting intensity is improved, but the size of the endoscope increases making it difficult to miniaturize
Solution Approach 1:
The illumination system is segmented into two independent parts: a first light source for the first image capturing lens and a second light source for the second image capturing lens. This segmentation allows each light source to be optimized independently and positioned efficiently within the endoscope structure, providing high intensity illumination without requiring excessive space
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the lateral opening of the head tube to position the second image capturing lens and its associated light source in a lateral dimension rather than only along the axial direction. This dimensional change allows compact arrangement of components, achieving high intensity illumination while maintaining miniaturization of the endoscope
2Illumination intensity
If multiple light-emitting elements are arranged in the head tube to ensure sufficient lighting, then the lighting coverage is improved, but the head tube size increases reducing ease of operation
Solution Approach 1:
The illumination system is divided into two independent illumination paths: one through the optical fiber to the first image capturing lens, and another through the lateral light source to the second image capturing lens. This segmentation allows compact arrangement of light sources and enables the endoscope to maintain small size while providing sufficient lighting coverage, thereby improving operator comfort
3Use of energy by moving object
If the light-emitting element is placed inside the head tube to provide illumination, then the lighting efficiency is improved, but the head tube must be enlarged compromising miniaturization
Solution Approach 1:
The first light-emitting element is extracted from the head tube and positioned externally, with only the essential optical fiber and light transmission path remaining within the head tube. This extraction eliminates the need to enlarge the head tube to accommodate the light source, maintaining miniaturization while preserving lighting efficiency through the optical fiber transmission path
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 achieves miniaturization and enhances image capture resolution and recognition accuracy, enabling effective use in smaller body parts without compromising lighting intensity.
Implementation Method 1
an optical fiber disposed in the head tube and located at one side of the front image capturing lens... uses the optical fiber to transmit lights to the front image capturing lens
Implementation Method 2
a lens is disposed in the head tube and arranged adjacent the front image capturing lens and one end of the optical fiber for diffusing and homogenizing the lights transmitted by the optical fiber
Data Source
AI summary
An endoscope device includes a head tube having a front opening and a lateral opening, a front image capturing lens disposed in the head tube and facing the front opening, an optical fiber disposed in the head tube and located at one side of the front image capturing lens, a lateral image capturing lens disposed in the head tube and facing the lateral opening, and a lateral light source disposed in the head tube and arranged adjacent to the lateral image capturing lens. As such, the endoscope device of present invention uses the optical fiber to transmit lights to the front image capturing lens and uses the lateral light source to provide lights to the lateral image capturing lens, such that the overall volume can be effectively reduced and a high intensity lighting effect can be achieved, thereby improving image capture resolution and image recognition accuracy.