Endoscope Observation Unit Flexible Substrate Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing endoscopes face challenges in integrating image pickup and illumination systems efficiently, particularly in maintaining the appearance quality and repairability of endoscope components, with existing solutions using silicone-based adhesives and soldering which may not provide optimal assembly workability and flexibility.
Innovation Solution
The integration of a flexible substrate with a mounted image pickup device and light-emitting diodes, along with a rigid optical frame and positioning portions, allows for precise orientation and arrangement within the endoscope distal end portion, using strip-shaped substrates and wiring substrates to facilitate assembly and reduce the diameter of the insertion portion while maintaining illumination functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If silicone-based adhesives and soldering are used to fix components, then assembly is achieved, but assembly workability and flexibility are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The observation unit is divided into modular components (optical frame, substrate unit with image pickup device and light-emitting diodes, positioning portion) that can be assembled separately and then integrated into the endoscope distal end portion. This modular segmentation enables easier assembly and disassembly compared to traditional adhesive bonding methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention employs a dynamic assembly system where the observation unit can be easily attached to and detached from the endoscope distal end portion through the positioning portion engagement structure. This dynamic design allows for flexible assembly and repair operations without permanent bonding.
2Ease of repair
If traditional fixed integration methods are used, then component stability is maintained, but repairability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The observation unit is designed as a separable module that can be independently removed from the endoscope distal end portion. The positioning portion provides stable engagement during operation but allows for deliberate disassembly, enabling easy repair or replacement of the observation unit without damaging the endoscope body.
Solution Approach 2:
The positioning portion is designed to automatically engage and maintain the observation unit in the correct position within the distal end portion through the positioning groove. This self-positioning mechanism ensures stable integration without requiring complex fastening procedures, facilitating both reliable operation and easy repair.
3Length of moving object
If conventional assembly methods are used, then components are fixed, but insertion portion diameter is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The substrate unit integrates multiple components (image pickup device, light-emitting diodes, wiring) into a single compact module. This merging of components reduces the overall diameter of the insertion portion while maintaining all necessary functions. The integrated design eliminates the need for separate mounting structures that would increase diameter.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention arranges components in a three-dimensional configuration within the optical frame, utilizing vertical and radial space efficiently. The light-emitting diodes are positioned on the substrate unit in a compact arrangement that minimizes the insertion portion diameter while ensuring proper illumination coverage.
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 enhances assembly workability, maintains the appearance quality, and improves repairability by allowing for easier integration of image pickup and illumination systems, while also reducing the diameter of the insertion portion and increasing the channel opening diameter without altering the outer diameter of the insertion portion.
Implementation Method 1
at least one light-emitting diode mounted on the flexible substrate on a side of any one side of the rectangular image pickup surface in parallel with the rectangular image pickup surface
Data Source
AI summary
An observation unit includes a printed circuit board, an image pickup device including an image pickup surface, at least one light-emitting diode, an optical frame to which optical members are fixed, and a convex portion. The printed circuit board includes a rectangular substrate on which the image pickup device is mounted, at least one strip-shaped substrate extending from a side corresponding to the one side of the rectangular substrate, the at least one strip-shaped substrate including, on an end face side, a light-emitting device arrangement portion on which the light-emitting diode is mounted, and a wiring substrate provided with a terminal on an end face side where the wiring substrate extends by a predetermined length from another side crossing the side of the rectangular substrate.