Endoscope Nozzle Design for Convex Lens Cleaning
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Solution Overview
Problem
In convex observation optical systems of endoscopes, the Coanda effect causes cleaning fluids to concentrate towards the center, resulting in insufficient cleaning of the side opposite to the nozzle injection point.
Innovation Solution
The endoscope features a nozzle with multiple outlets that emit cleaning fluid in non-intersecting directions, preventing the fluid from merging and concentrating towards the center of the convex lens, thereby ensuring thorough cleaning of the entire optical system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If a single nozzle injects cleaning fluid toward the convex observation optical system, then the fluid directly hits the nozzle side, but the fluid concentrates toward the center due to the Coanda effect and fails to reach the opposite side, resulting in insufficient cleaning coverage
Solution Approach 1:
The single nozzle is divided into multiple nozzles (first nozzle and second nozzle) positioned at different locations. Each nozzle directs cleaning fluid toward different regions of the convex lens, ensuring comprehensive coverage. The first nozzle is positioned to clean the first region including the center, while the second nozzle cleans the second region, particularly effective for reaching areas that would otherwise be missed due to fluid concentration at the center.
2Reliability
If cleaning fluid flows along the curved surface of the convex lens, then the Coanda effect attracts the fluid to the wall surface, but the fluid concentrates toward the center and separates from the curved surface, preventing distribution to the opposite side
Solution Approach 1:
The nozzles are positioned asymmetrically relative to the convex lens, with the first nozzle positioned at a specific location to target the center region and the second nozzle positioned differently to target the opposite side region. This asymmetric arrangement ensures that cleaning fluid is distributed to all regions of the lens surface, counteracting the natural tendency of the Coanda effect to concentrate fluid at the center.
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 allows for effective distribution of the cleaning fluid to the opposite side of the nozzle injection, ensuring thorough cleaning of the convex observation optical system and preventing fluid separation from the curved surface.
Implementation Method 1
The Coanda effect is known in which the fluid flowing near the wall surface is attracted to the wall surface by the effect of fluid viscosity. Due to such a Coanda effect, in a convex lens, when a fluid flows along a surface (curved surface), the fluid is concentrated toward the center of the curved surface.
Data Source
AI summary
An endoscope having a convex observation optical system at the distal end of an insertion portion is provided with an air supply/water supply nozzle for injecting a cleaning fluid toward the observation optical system. The air supply/water supply nozzle is provided with a plurality of outlets from which the fluid is emitted in directions not intersecting with each other.