Endoscope Viewing Direction via Proximal Image Module

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Solution Overview

Problem

Endoscopes with variable viewing directions face challenges in miniaturization and manufacturability due to mechanical complexity and sensitivity issues, particularly with flexible tips that are difficult to autoclave and repair.

Innovation Solution

The endoscope design features an image module in the proximal area that allows for relative positioning between the generated image and the field stop to change the viewing direction, eliminating the need for moving optical elements at the distal end, enabling miniaturization and easy autoclavability with a rigid shaft.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a swiveling mirror or prism is placed in the distal end of the endoscope to change viewing direction, then the viewing direction can be changed, but the mechanical complexity increases and miniaturization is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveviewing direction changeVSAvoidmechanical complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the moving optical element (mirror or prism) from the distal end of the endoscope and relocates it to the proximal end. This extraction eliminates the mechanical complexity at the critical distal end while preserving the viewing direction change capability through the image module at the proximal end.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of moving the optical element at the distal end to change viewing direction, the patent inverts the approach by moving the optical element at the proximal end and using a fixed distal end. This inversion allows the distal end to be simpler and more suitable for miniaturization while achieving the same functional result.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the entire tip of the endoscope is bent to change viewing direction, then the viewing direction can be changed, but the endoscope becomes very sensitive and difficult to autoclave

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveviewing direction changeVSAvoidautoclavability and durability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the endoscope into a rigid distal end and a proximal area with the image module. The distal end remains rigid and structurally simple, maintaining autoclavability and durability, while the proximal area contains the movable optical element for viewing direction change.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of making the distal end flexible to change viewing direction, the patent inverts the approach by keeping the distal end rigid and flexible only at the proximal end where the image module is located. This preserves the structural integrity and autoclavability of the endoscope shaft.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

3Adaptability or versatility

If moving optical elements are placed at the distal end of the endoscope, then the viewing direction can be changed, but miniaturization of the endoscope shaft is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveviewing direction changeVSAvoidendoscope shaft miniaturization

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the moving optical element from the distal end and places it in the proximal area, removing the space requirement for moving parts from the critical distal end. This enables miniaturization of the endoscope shaft while preserving the viewing direction change capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

4Adaptability or versatility

If a flexible sleeve is used for the tip of the endoscope to enable bending, then the viewing direction can be changed, but the endoscope is very susceptible to repairs and difficult to manufacture autoclavable

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveviewing direction changeVSAvoidautoclavable manufacturing

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the endoscope structure so that only the proximal area contains flexible or movable components, while the distal end and shaft remain rigid and simple. This segmentation makes the majority of the endoscope easy to manufacture in an autoclavable design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP2514356B1Endoscope with variable direction of view

Publication Date: 2014.08.27 HENKE SASS WOLF

Figure 1~2
Figure 3~6
Figure 7~9

AI summary

The endoscope (1) has a projection lens arranged inside an endoscope shaft (3), where a generated image is larger than a field stop. An image module (17) is arranged at the proximal region of the endoscope, where the relative position between the generated image and the field stop is varied by the image module. The generated image in a direction is greater than the field stop, where the relative position between the generated image and the field stop is varied along the direction. The image module has a movable optical element.