Endoscope Light Source Substrate Terminal Placement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Endoscope systems face challenges in reducing size while maintaining stability and efficiency for medical internal examinations, as compact designs can complicate operation and require innovative solutions to facilitate easier handling.
Innovation Solution
The endoscope system incorporates a configuration with multiple light source units and terminals strategically placed on a substrate to minimize size, including a first and second light source unit with specific perimeter units and terminals, and an optical unit that inputs light into an optical fiber, allowing for reduced substrate and light emitting unit size, with the second light source unit operating as a backup to ensure stable operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the endoscope system is made compact to facilitate operation, then ease of operation is improved, but device stability may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple light source units (first and second light source units with respective first and second terminals) into a single integrated substrate structure. This merging approach consolidates components that would traditionally be separate, reducing overall system size and improving ease of operation while maintaining functional stability through the integrated design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent positions terminals in specific spatial arrangements on the substrate - the first terminal on the first light source unit and the second terminal on the second light source unit are placed in areas that are not between facing perimeter units. This dimensional optimization of component placement reduces the footprint while maintaining electrical connection stability.
2Volume of moving object
If multiple light source units are integrated on a single substrate to reduce size, then volume is reduced, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the lighting function into separate first and second light source units, each with its own terminal and perimeter structure. This segmentation allows each unit to be manufactured and tested independently before integration, reducing the overall manufacturing complexity despite the reduced substrate size.
Solution Approach 2:
The substrate serves multiple functions: it supports both light source units, provides electrical connections through terminals, and maintains structural integrity. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional supporting structures, simplifying manufacturing despite the compact design.
3Productivity
If terminals are positioned in areas between facing perimeter units, then connection efficiency is improved, but light input efficiency into optical fiber deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different spatial arrangements to different components: terminals are positioned in non-facing areas to optimize electrical connections, while light source emission areas maintain optimal alignment with optical fibers for maximum light input efficiency. This localized optimization resolves the conflict between connection efficiency and light efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses asymmetric positioning where the first and second terminals are placed on respective light source units in areas that are not between facing perimeter units. This asymmetric arrangement optimizes both electrical connection paths and optical alignment, preventing the terminals from interfering with light transmission to the optical fiber.
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 reduces the size of the endoscope system, enhances light input efficiency into the optical fiber, and ensures stable operation by minimizing the gap between light source units and utilizing a backup light source, thereby improving handling and operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a light guide unit configured to guide a light of the first light source unit and the second light source unit to the inside of a target object
Implementation Method 2
an image sensing unit configured to sense the light reflected and reached from the target object to convert into an image signal
Data Source
AI summary
An endoscope system includes: a first light source unit having a first terminal to which power is supplied; a second light source having a second terminal to which power is supplied; a light guide unit for guiding light of the first and second light source units to the inside of a target object; an image sensing unit configured to sense the light reflected from the target object; and an image signal processing unit configured to process signal from the sensing unit and display on a display unit. The first light source unit includes first and second perimeter units, the second light source unit includes a third perimeter unit, and a fourth perimeter unit, and the first and second terminals are provided in the second perimeter unit or the fourth perimeter unit other than an area between the first perimeter unit and the third perimeter unit that face each other.