Endoscope Prism Rotation Mechanism for Field of View Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional endoscopes with rotating prism mechanisms face limitations in efficiently switching the observation field of view direction, particularly in medical and industrial applications, where precise control over the optical axis is crucial for effective inspection and treatment.
Innovation Solution
The endoscope system incorporates an image pickup portion, an optical axis bending system with multiple prisms, operation input means, operation conversion means, and transmission mechanisms that allow for the rotation of prisms and the image pickup device, enabling flexible and intuitive control over the observation field of view direction through a joystick-type operation lever.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a rotating prism mechanism is used to change the observation field of view direction, then the observation direction can be freely changed, but the operation becomes complex and the switching efficiency is low
Solution Approach 1:
The optical system is divided into multiple independent prism units (first prism, second prism, third prism) that can be individually controlled. Each prism handles a specific aspect of light deflection, allowing independent adjustment of observation angles without complex interdependencies, thus simplifying operation while maintaining versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The prisms are designed to be movable rather than fixed, with mechanisms that allow dynamic adjustment of their positions and orientations. This enables real-time changing of observation directions during endoscope operation, providing adaptability without requiring complete system reconfiguration.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple prisms are used for optical axis bending, then the observation field of view can be flexibly changed, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple prism functions are integrated into a compact arrangement where the first, second, and third prisms work together in sequence within a unified optical path. The prisms are positioned and oriented to collectively achieve complex light deflection while sharing common mounting structures and control mechanisms, reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The prism assembly is designed to perform multiple functions: light deflection, field of view adjustment, and optical path folding. Each prism can contribute to different aspects of image acquisition, allowing a single optical element to serve multiple purposes and reducing the need for additional specialized components.
3Ease of operation
If the image pickup portion is rotated to match the observation direction, then the image display orientation is maintained, but the mechanical complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The image pickup portion is pre-configured with rotational capability and interlocking mechanisms that automatically synchronize its orientation with the observation direction. This preliminary preparation allows the system to maintain consistent image display without requiring complex real-time calculations or manual adjustments during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The interlocking mechanism between the prism rotation and image pickup portion rotation creates a feedback system where the position of one component automatically determines the position of the other. This mechanical feedback ensures that the image pickup orientation always matches the observation direction, maintaining display consistency through automatic coordination rather than complex control systems.
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 allows for seamless switching of the observation field of view direction, ensuring that the endoscopic image is always displayed correctly on the screen, enhancing operability and precision in medical and industrial applications.
Implementation Method 1
an optical axis bending optical system including a plurality of prisms for guiding a light beam from an object to a light receiving surface of the image pickup portion
Implementation Method 2
a first prism that deflects light that entered along an incident light axis to thereby emit the light in a direction along a first axis line
Data Source
AI summary
An endoscope includes: an image pickup portion including an image pickup device; an optical axis bending optical system; an operation input portion which pivots; an operation conversion portion that resolves an input of the operation input portion and generate a plurality of outputs; and an operation transmission portion that transmits the outputs of the operation conversion portion to a plurality of movable portions. The optical axis bending optical system includes a first prism rotatably supported around a second optical axis, and a second prism rotatably supported around a third optical axis. The operation transmission portion includes: an image pickup portion interlocking portion rotatably supporting the image pickup portion; and a prism rotation transmission portion including a first transmission member that rotates the first prism around the second optical axis, and a second transmission member that rotates the second prism around the third optical axis integrally with the first prism.