Endoscope Off-Axis View Without Triangular Prism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional endoscopes with off-axis views require expensive and fragile triangular prisms to change the light direction, which increases costs and vulnerability.
Innovation Solution
An endoscope device with a detection module that includes a tube, optical transmission component, optical detector, and signal transmission component, where the optical detector is positioned above the first part of the optical transmission component, forming a predefined included angle between the detection planar normal vector and the structurally longitudinal direction, allowing for off-axis viewing without the need for a triangular prism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a triangular prism is used to change the direction of light for off-axis viewing, then off-axis viewing capability is achieved, but the device becomes more expensive and more fragile
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the triangular prism from the optical system entirely. Instead of using a prism to change light direction, the invention positions the detection camera at an angled location within the pipeline, allowing the camera's detection surface normal to form a predefined angle with the pipeline's longitudinal direction. This extraction of the prism eliminates the associated cost and fragility issues while maintaining off-axis viewing capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a simplified optical path that copies the essential function of the prism-based system without requiring the actual prism. By using direct angular positioning of the camera and simple light transmission through the pipeline medium, the system replicates the off-axis viewing function in a more robust manner.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a triangular prism with high-precision fixing structure is used, then off-axis viewing is achieved, but manufacturing cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and removes the expensive triangular prism and its high-precision fixing structure from the system. The off-axis viewing capability is achieved through the angular positioning of the detection camera itself, eliminating the need for additional optical components and their associated manufacturing costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the expensive, precision-crafted prism assembly with a simpler, more cost-effective camera positioning approach. The detection camera is positioned at an angled location within the pipeline, requiring only basic mounting structures rather than high-precision fixing mechanisms.
3Device complexity
If the detection camera is positioned with its planar normal vector parallel to the pipeline longitudinal direction, then the structure is simple, but off-axis viewing capability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces asymmetry into the camera positioning by angling the detection camera so that its detection surface normal forms a predefined angle with the pipeline's longitudinal direction. This asymmetric positioning enables off-axis viewing capability while maintaining relative structural simplicity, as no additional optical components are required.
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
Enables off-axis viewing while reducing costs and enhancing durability by eliminating the need for a triangular prism, allowing for a more robust and cost-effective endoscope design.
Implementation Method 1
The optical transmission component has a first part and a second part bent to each other, and a predefined included angle is formed between a structurally longitudinal direction of the second part and a structurally longitudinal direction of the first part
Data Source
AI summary
An endoscope device includes an operation processor and a detection module. The detection module is electrically connected with the operation processor. The detection module includes a tube, an optical transmission component, an optical detector, a signal transmission component, a first holder and a second holder. The optical transmission component has a first part and a second part bent to each other. The optical detector is located above the first part. The signal transmission component is coupled with the optical detector, and is parallel to the second part, and bent from a detection surface of the optical detector. The first holder includes a first accommodating structure adapted to accommodate the optical detector. The second holder includes a second accommodating structure adapted to accommodate the first part, and the optical transmission component and the optical detector are assembled between the first holder and the second holder to install inside the tube.