Endoscope Manifold With Square Slots For Lens Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current endoscopes, such as colonoscopes, have limited fields of view and restricted access for surgical tools, making it difficult to efficiently operate and visualize internal anatomy.
Innovation Solution
The development of a multi-viewing elements endoscope system with an integrated manifold assembly that includes a flexible optical assembly carrier substrate with front-facing and side-facing imaging modules, and a manifold with continuous channels and recesses to accommodate multiple lenses and illuminators, providing a broader field of view and enhanced access for surgical tools.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of moving object
If a single viewing element is used in the endoscope, then the device complexity is reduced, but the field of view is limited and surgical tool access is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The endoscope tip is segmented into multiple viewing elements (front-facing imaging module and side-facing imaging modules) that capture images from different directions. These segmented views are then processed and combined to create a comprehensive three-dimensional representation of the internal anatomy, thereby expanding the effective field of view without requiring a single complex wide-angle lens
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple images captured by different viewing elements are merged and combined through image processing algorithms to create a unified three-dimensional view. This merging of multiple simpler viewing elements achieves the functional equivalent of a complex wide-area single element while maintaining the advantages of modular design
2Area of moving object
If multiple imaging modules are packed in the tip section, then the field of view is expanded, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates flexible optical assembly carrier substrates that can dynamically adapt to slight variations in module positioning. The flexible substrate allows for some degree of movement and adjustment, compensating for manufacturing tolerances and ensuring proper alignment of multiple imaging modules without requiring extremely tight manufacturing precision
Solution Approach 2:
The image processing system dynamically adjusts parameters such as image registration, scaling, and orientation to compensate for variations in the physical positioning of imaging modules. By changing these software parameters, the system can accommodate a range of manufacturing tolerances and still produce accurate three-dimensional reconstructions
3Strength
If a rigid manifold structure is used, then the structural strength is improved, but the adaptability to different imaging module configurations is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs flexible optical assembly carrier substrates that can bend and conform to different configurations. These flexible films provide the necessary structural support while allowing the imaging modules to be positioned in various arrangements, thus maintaining both structural integrity and configurational adaptability
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible substrate introduces an additional degree of freedom by allowing bending in multiple directions. This dimensional flexibility enables the same rigid manifold structure to accommodate different imaging module configurations by simply changing the bending pattern rather than requiring different rigid structures for each configuration
Data Source
AI summary
There is provided herein an integrated manifold for the tip of a multiple viewing elements endoscope which combines the functionalities of the front holder, side holder/cage and fluid channeling components into a single part. The manifold includes square slots that are equipped with tracks. Square shaped lens assemblies having protrusions are used in the endoscope tip, such that the protrusions allow the optical assemblies to slide into the tracks of the square slots. This ensures gapless placement of viewing elements with no deviation in their position and field of view.