Endoscope Insertion Portion with Planar Observation Windows
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional endoscopes with multiple observation optical systems face challenges in maintaining a clean observation field due to the complex arrangement of air/water feeding nozzles and observation windows, which can lead to obstruction and reduced visibility during insertion into body cavities.
Innovation Solution
The endoscope insertion portion features a distal end with multiple observation windows aligned in a single plane, accompanied by a single air/water feeding nozzle that sprays gas or liquid towards the observation windows, ensuring the outer surface is clean and unobstructed, allowing for effective cleaning and improved visibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple air/water feeding nozzles are provided for each observation window, then cleaning effectiveness is improved, but device complexity and obstruction risk increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple nozzle functions into a single air/water feeding portion that serves all observation windows. This single portion includes multiple spouting holes arranged to spray cleaning fluid across multiple lenses simultaneously, reducing structural complexity while maintaining comprehensive cleaning capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The air/water feeding portion is designed as a universal cleaning mechanism that serves multiple observation windows through its multiple spouting holes. This multi-functional design allows one component to perform the cleaning function for all lenses, eliminating the need for separate nozzles for each window.
2Reliability
If multiple separate nozzles are arranged for each observation window, then cleaning coverage is improved, but the risk of obstruction during insertion increases
Solution Approach 1:
By merging multiple nozzle functions into a single integrated air/water feeding portion, the patent reduces the number of separate components that could cause obstruction during insertion. The consolidated structure presents a smaller, more streamlined profile while maintaining comprehensive cleaning coverage through its multi-hole spray pattern.
3Device complexity
If a single air/water feeding portion serves multiple observation windows, then device complexity is reduced, but cleaning precision for each window may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The air/water feeding portion incorporates multiple spouting holes at different positions and orientations, with each hole specifically directed toward a particular observation window. This local differentiation ensures that while the overall structure is simplified, each lens receives targeted cleaning attention appropriate to its specific location and requirements.
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 the cleanliness of the observation field, reduces the risk of obstruction, and facilitates easier insertion by maintaining a compact and efficient design, thereby improving the usability and effectiveness of the endoscope.
Implementation Method 1
an air/water feeding portion for spouting out a gas or liquid toward the plurality of observation windows
Data Source
AI summary
An endoscope insertion portion of the invention includes an outer surface formed between a plurality of observation windows oriented in a spouting direction of the air/water feeding portion, the outer surface being in the same plane as surfaces of the plurality of observation windows.