1mm Endoscope with Rectangular Sensor for Narrow Duct Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current endoscopes with a diameter of 3 mm cannot reach areas such as the peripheral part of the pancreatic bile duct and the area after the third branch of the bronchus, necessitating a smaller diameter endoscope for effective observation and treatment.
Innovation Solution
An endoscope with an insertion portion covered by an exterior tube of 1 mm or less in diameter, featuring a rectangular image sensor, an illumination fiber, a cable bundle, and a connector system that allows for flexible and compact design, enabling access to previously inaccessible areas.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If the endoscope diameter is reduced to access peripheral areas, then accessibility to hard-to-reach areas is improved, but the complexity of accommodating optical and cable components increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements nesting by placing the rectangular image sensor inside the circular exterior tube, with the sensor's longer side aligned radially. The illumination fiber is positioned between the inner surface of the exterior tube and the edge of the observation optical system, while the cable bundle connecting to the image sensor penetrates through the exterior tube. This nested arrangement allows multiple functional components to coexist within the constrained 1 mm diameter insertion portion.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a conventional circular cross-sectional layout to a rectangular image sensor orientation where the longer side extends in the radial direction. This dimensional reorientation optimizes the use of available space within the circular exterior tube, allowing the image sensor to achieve larger active area while maintaining the compact 1 mm diameter constraint of the insertion portion.
2Measurement precision
If a rectangular image sensor with larger active area is used, then image quality is improved, but the space required within the insertion portion increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs an asymmetric rectangular image sensor configuration where the longer side of the sensor is positioned in the radial direction rather than the axial direction. This asymmetric orientation allows the image sensor to maximize its active area within the circular cross-section of the 1 mm diameter exterior tube, achieving better image quality while fitting within the constrained volume of the insertion portion.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the exterior tube diameter is reduced to 1 mm or less, then patient invasion is reduced, but the difficulty of arranging internal components increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements nesting by placing the rectangular image sensor inside the circular exterior tube, with the sensor's longer side aligned radially. The illumination fiber is positioned between the inner surface of the exterior tube and the edge of the observation optical system, while the cable bundle connecting to the image sensor penetrates through the exterior tube. This nested arrangement allows multiple functional components to coexist within the constrained 1 mm diameter insertion portion.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a conventional circular cross-sectional layout to a rectangular image sensor orientation where the longer side extends in the radial direction. This dimensional reorientation optimizes the use of available space within the circular exterior tube, allowing the image sensor to achieve larger active area while maintaining the compact 1 mm diameter constraint of the insertion portion.
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
The solution provides a small diameter endoscope capable of reaching and observing areas previously inaccessible, reducing patient invasion and enabling effective observation and treatment, including photodynamic diagnosis and therapy.
Implementation Method 1
an illumination fiber that is arranged between an inner surface of the exterior tube and an edge of the observation optical system and penetrates the exterior tube
Data Source
AI summary
An endoscope includes an insertion portion that is covered with an exterior tube with an outer diameter of 1 mm or less, an observation optical system that includes a rectangular image sensor fixed to a tip of the insertion portion and having a length of one side of 60% or less of the outer diameter of the insertion portion, an illumination fiber that is arranged between an inner surface of the exterior tube and an edge of the observation optical system and penetrates the exterior tube, a cable bundle that is connected to the image sensor and penetrates the exterior tube, and a connector that is connected to the cable bundle and the illumination fiber.