Endoscope Optical Unit Magnetic Layout for Precise Two-Focus Switching
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional endoscopes with optical units using magnetic actuators face challenges in precisely controlling the movement of optical devices along the optical axis for zoom and focus functions, leading to misalignment and degradation of optical performance due to inadequate magnetic field distribution and mechanical constraints.
Innovation Solution
The optical unit incorporates a soft magnetic moving barrel, a non-magnetic fixed barrel, yokes, a coil, and a magnet with a magnetic body member of stronger magnetism, arranged to create a stable magnetic circuit allowing controlled movement of the optical device between two rest positions, preventing misalignment and eccentricity by optimizing magnetic field direction and distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a conventional magnetic actuator is used to move the optical device, then the optical device can be moved along the optical axis, but the magnetic field distribution is inadequate causing misalignment and degradation of optical performance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by providing a magnetic body member with stronger magnetism at a specific position on the moving barrel, corresponding to the magnet on the fixed barrel. This localized enhancement of magnetic properties ensures that the magnetic field distribution is optimized at the critical interaction point, thereby maintaining precise alignment and optical performance without requiring uniform magnetic enhancement throughout the entire structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the magnetic parameter by introducing a magnetic body member with stronger magnetism than the moving barrel itself. This parameter change in magnetic strength creates a more defined and stable magnetic field distribution, which prevents misalignment and maintains reliable optical performance during the movement and positioning of the optical device.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the moving barrel is constrained mechanically, then the structure is stable, but wear occurs on magnetic components and movement precision degrades
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the conventional mechanical constraint system with a magnetic field-based positioning system. The magnetic body member and magnet interact through magnetic attraction to hold and move the optical device, eliminating the need for direct mechanical contact and friction-based positioning. This substitution reduces wear on components and maintains movement precision over time while preserving structural stability.
3Force
If the magnet is arranged on the entire outer surface of the coil, then strong magnetic force is achieved, but the device size increases and manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the magnetic field generation function by providing the magnetic body member only at the specific position corresponding to the magnet on the fixed barrel, rather than distributing magnets throughout the entire coil structure. This segmentation achieves the necessary magnetic force at the critical interaction point while significantly reducing the overall device complexity and size.
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 enables precise two-focus switching and stable optical performance by maintaining optical device alignment and preventing wear on magnetic components, enhancing the endoscope's ability to accurately move optical components along the optical axis.
Implementation Method 1
a magnetic actuator for bifocal adjustment provided with an electromagnetic coil and a magnet
Implementation Method 2
a magnetic body member with magnetism stronger than magnetism of the moving barrel, the magnetic body member being arranged on a part of the moving barrel in a circumferential direction, corresponding to the magnet
Data Source
AI summary
An optical unit for endoscope includes: a moving barrel which is a soft magnetic body, configured to hold a lens; a fixed barrel which is a non-magnetic body, configured to movably hold the moving barrel on an inner circumferential face; a pair of yokes arranged on an outer face of the fixed barrel; a coil wound around the outer face of the fixed barrel and a magnet arranged on a part in the circumferential direction, between the pair of yokes; and a magnetic body member with magnetism stronger than magnetism of the moving barrel, the magnetic body member being arranged on a part of the moving barrel in the circumferential direction, corresponding to the magnet.