Endoscope Optical Module Ferrule Stopper Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge in endoscope design is to transmit high-resolution image signals while maintaining a minimally invasive insertion section, as traditional electrical signal transmission increases the diameter of metal lines, making it difficult to achieve a thin profile for minimally invasive procedures.
Innovation Solution
The optical module for endoscope employs an E/O optical module to convert electrical signals into optical signals transmitted through a thin optical fiber, with a ferrule and stopper mechanism to securely hold the optical fiber in place, ensuring stable signal transmission and maintaining a small diameter insertion section.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If electrical signals are transmitted through metal lines to achieve high resolution image transmission, then the image quality is improved, but the insertion section diameter increases making minimally invasive operation difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces electrical signal transmission through metal lines with optical signal transmission through optical fibers. The E/O optical module converts electrical signals from the image pickup device into optical signals that can be transmitted through thin optical fibers, eliminating the need for bulky metal line bundles and enabling minimally invasive endoscope insertion.
2Length of moving object
If optical signals are used instead of electrical signals to reduce insertion section diameter, then the insertion section can be made thinner for minimally invasive operation, but the reliability of signal transmission may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces E/O optical modules as intermediary devices that convert electrical signals to optical signals for transmission through the insertion section, and O/E optical modules at the proximal end that convert optical signals back to electrical signals. These intermediary conversion devices enable reliable signal transmission through thin optical fibers while maintaining compatibility with standard electronic signal processing systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses optical fibers to create a copy of the electrical signal in optical form. The E/O module generates optical signals that are faithful representations of the original electrical signals from the image pickup device, allowing the signal information to be transmitted through the thin optical fiber without loss of reliability.
3Stability of the object's composition
If a ferrule fixing member is used to press the ferrule back surface to prevent it from coming out, then the ferrule is secured in place, but the ferrule back surface and sleeve surface cannot be in surface contact
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the ferrule securing function into two separate components: the stopper that contacts the ferrule back surface to prevent protrusion, and the adhesive that bonds the ferrule outer surface to the sleeve inner surface. This segmentation allows both the stopper and sleeve surfaces to be in surface contact while still providing secure ferrule positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines two different securing mechanisms - mechanical stopping (via the stopper) and adhesive bonding (via the adhesive layer) - to achieve both surface contact between the ferrule and sleeve while preventing ferrule protrusion. This merging of mechanical and chemical bonding methods provides enhanced reliability.
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 solution allows for the transmission of high-resolution image signals through a thin optical fiber, enabling minimally invasive operations with reliable performance and maintaining the structural integrity of the endoscope.
Implementation Method 1
at least one optical fiber for transmitting an optical signal
Implementation Method 2
fixed to the sleeve by using an adhesive
Data Source
AI summary
An optical module for endoscope includes an optical fiber, a light emitting element, a ferrule including a front surface and a back surface, and including a first through-hole into which the optical fiber is inserted, a glass substrate including a first principal surface at which the light emitting element is mounted and a second principal surface, a sleeve including a third principal surface bonded to the second principal surface of the glass substrate, and a fourth principal surface, and including a second through-hole into which the ferrule is inserted, and a stopper including a contact surface in surface contact with the back surface of the ferrule, fixed to the sleeve by using an adhesive, and further including an inner side surface in contact with a side surface of the sleeve.