Endoscope Optical Module with Inclined Ferrule
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Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge is to create a minimally invasive endoscope with a high-quality image transmission capability while minimizing the diameter of the insertion section, as endoscopes with large pixel image pickup devices require thicker metal wiring for signal transmission, which increases the insertion section's diameter.
Innovation Solution
The endoscope employs an optical module that converts image pickup signals into optical signals using an optical fiber, featuring a light emitting element with a bonding wire connecting external and bonding electrodes, a ferrule for optical fiber insertion, and a transparent resin within a frame with an inclined upper plate to house the optical module, ensuring minimal invasiveness and high reliability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If an image pickup device with a large number of pixels is used to display high-quality images, then image quality is improved, but the wire diameter of metal wiring needs to be increased to transmit the required signal amount, causing the insertion section to become thick
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/electrical signal transmission system (metal wiring) with an optical signal transmission system (optical fiber). The light emitting element converts electrical signals to optical signals, which are then transmitted through a thin optical fiber, eliminating the need for thick metal wiring while maintaining high-quality image transmission capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the transmission medium from electrical signals through metal wiring to optical signals through optical fiber. This parameter change allows for much thinner transmission media while maintaining or improving signal quality, thus reducing the insertion section diameter while preserving high-resolution image capability.
2Length of moving object
If optical signal transmission via a thin optical fiber is used to reduce the diameter of the insertion section, then the insertion section diameter is reduced, but stress is applied to the optical fiber when the bending section is deformed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent embeds the optical fiber within a protective structure consisting of the ferrule and transparent resin. The optical fiber is inserted into the ferrule, and the transparent resin fills the space around it, creating a nested configuration that protects the optical fiber from external stress while maintaining the thin profile necessary for minimally invasive procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The transparent resin acts as a cushioning material that is placed beforehand to protect the optical fiber from stress during bending. This resin layer provides mechanical support and stress distribution, preventing damage to the optical fiber while allowing the insertion section to maintain its thin diameter.
3Reliability
If the optical element is arranged in an inclined manner to prevent multiple reflection, then optical performance is improved, but the structure becomes more complex requiring an additional angle holding member
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the angle holding function into the existing ferrule structure by forming an inclined surface on the ferrule itself. This eliminates the need for a separate angle holding member, as the ferrule simultaneously provides mechanical support, positional alignment, and the required inclination angle to prevent multiple reflection, thus reducing overall structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The ferrule is designed to perform multiple functions: it holds the optical fiber, provides mechanical support, defines the inclination angle to prevent multiple reflection, and structures the inner section. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate angle holding members, reducing device complexity while maintaining optimal optical performance.
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-quality images via thin optical fibers, reducing stress on the optical fiber during bending and maintaining a small insertion section diameter, thus achieving a minimally invasive and reliable endoscope design.
Implementation Method 1
an optical module configured to convert the image pickup signal into an optical signal and transmit the optical signal using an optical fiber
Implementation Method 2
multiple reflection is prevented by arranging an optical element in an inclined manner at a predetermined inclination angle to a bottom surface of a ferrule
Data Source
AI summary
An endoscope includes an optical module, the optical module including an optical element including a light emitting surface, an external electrode being disposed, out of a first region and a second region obtained by dividing the light emitting surface substantially in half, only in the first region, a wiring board including a first main surface where the optical element and a bonding electrode are disposed, a bonding wire connecting the external electrode and the bonding electrode to each other, a ferrule into which the optical fiber is inserted, a frame including an upper plate where the ferrule is disposed, including a side plate fixed to the first main surface, including an inner section housing the optical element and a side surface including an opening, and a transparent resin disposed in the inner section, wherein the upper plate is inclined at a predetermined inclination angle to the first main surface.