Endoscope Movable Component Stereo Imaging Heat Dissipation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing endoscopes face challenges in providing a robust mechanical connection and efficient heat dissipation while enabling stereo imaging and enlarged solid angle coverage, particularly in micro-invasive medical and technical applications.
Innovation Solution
The endoscope design features a movable member with a pivotable optical device arrangement, allowing for a robust mechanical connection and heat dissipation through a thermally conductive elastic component, and omits working channels to accommodate larger optical devices for enhanced imaging capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a movable component is provided at the distal end of the shaft for stereo imaging, then imaging capability is improved, but mechanical stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The distal end of the shaft is made articulated with at least two degrees of freedom, allowing the optical devices to be dynamically positioned for stereo imaging while maintaining a stable base shaft. The articulation joints enable controlled movement of the optical devices relative to the shaft axis, providing both imaging versatility and mechanical stability through defined motion constraints.
2Measurement precision
If larger optical devices are accommodated for enhanced imaging, then imaging quality is improved, but device size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The optical devices are positioned at the distal end of the shaft in a nested arrangement where the optical components are integrated into the tip structure. The first and second optical devices are arranged to share space efficiently, with their optical axes oriented at angles to each other, allowing larger optical elements to be accommodated within the constrained tip volume of the endoscope.
3Measurement precision
If working channels are omitted to accommodate larger optical devices, then optical performance is improved, but functional versatility deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The endoscope design transitions from a conventional configuration with working channels to one where the distal end is articulated with multiple degrees of freedom. This dimensional change in the mechanical structure allows larger optical devices to be positioned at angled orientations, providing enhanced optical performance while the articulation joints themselves serve as the mechanism for functional versatility, enabling the endoscope to access complex geometries without traditional working channels.
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 design enhances the mechanical robustness and thermal management of the endoscope, enabling improved stereo imaging and enlarged solid angle coverage without the need for working channels, thus improving its functionality in medical and technical applications.
Implementation Method 1
heat dissipation through a thermally conductive elastic component
Data Source
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AI summary
An endoscope (10) comprises a shaft (20) with an end face (24) at a distal end (23) of the shaft (20) for insertion into a cavity to be examined; a movable component (30) with an end face (32) arranged at the distal end (23) of the shaft (20) and movable relative to the distal end (23) of the shaft (20) between a first configuration in which the shaft (20) can be inserted into a cavity and a second configuration intended for viewing the cavity; a first optical device (50) on the end face (24) of the shaft (20); and a second optical device (60) on the movable component (30). In the first configuration, the end face (32) of the movable component (50) is arranged opposite or abuts the end face (24) of the shaft (20). In the second configuration, the movable component (30) is arranged next to the distal end (23) of the shaft (20).