Endoscope Linear Conductor for Static Protection and Diameter Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing endoscopes face challenges in reducing the diameter of the insertion tip portion while protecting the image sensor from static electricity, leading to increased external diameter, potential crushing, insulation issues, and complexity in manufacturing and assembly.
Innovation Solution
The endoscope design incorporates a linear conductor that extends toward the lens unit, separating from the tip flange portion and covered with mold resin, allowing static electricity to escape through an insulated earth line, thereby reducing the diameter and simplifying the structure while protecting the image sensor.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a metallic pipe is disposed on an inner surface of the resin pipe to protect the image sensor from static electricity, then the image sensor is protected, but the external diameter of the insertion tip portion increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the static electricity discharge function from the metallic pipe structure and implements it through a linear conductor extending from the tip flange portion. This removes the need for a separate metallic pipe layer, thereby reducing the external diameter while maintaining static electricity protection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the static electricity discharge function with the existing tip flange portion by extending a linear conductor from it. This integration eliminates the need for separate protective structures like metallic pipes, reducing overall diameter while maintaining protection functionality.
2Reliability
If a metallic pipe is disposed on an inner surface of the resin pipe to protect the image sensor from static electricity, then the image sensor is protected, but the structure becomes more complex and manufacturing becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the static electricity discharge function with the tip flange portion structure itself. The linear conductor is integrated into the existing tip flange portion, eliminating the need for separate metallic pipe components and simplifying the manufacturing process.
Solution Approach 2:
The tip flange portion is given multiple functions: it serves as both a structural component and a static electricity discharge path through the extended linear conductor. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed, simplifying manufacturing and assembly.
3Area of stationary object
If the diameter of the insertion tip portion is reduced to minimize patient burden, then patient comfort is improved, but it becomes difficult to protect the image sensor from static electricity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the static electricity discharge function from bulky metallic pipe structures and implements it through a compact linear conductor extension from the tip flange portion. This maintains protection capability while enabling significant diameter reduction.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the configuration parameter of the static electricity discharge path from a surrounding metallic pipe to a linear conductor extension. This parameter change enables diameter reduction while maintaining the protection function through a more space-efficient design.
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 effectively reduces the diameter of the insertion tip portion, enhances insulation against static electricity, and simplifies manufacturing, while maintaining high-quality image capture and flexibility.
Implementation Method 1
allowing static electricity to escape through an insulated earth line, thereby reducing the diameter and simplifying the structure while protecting the image sensor
Data Source
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AI summary
An endoscope includes an insertion portion that has a tip portion to be inserted into an examination target from a tip side of the tip portion. The endoscope includes a lens unit that is disposed at the tip portion. The endoscope includes an image sensor that is disposed on an opposite side to the tip side of tip portion with respect to the lens unit. The endoscope includes a linear conductor that has a tip disposed at the tip side with respect to the image sensor and has a proximal end which is extended from the tip through inside the insertion portion.