Endoscope Reversal Set Stability via Nested Achromats
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Solution Overview
Problem
Rigid endoscopes, particularly laparoscopes, face instability in their optical performance due to the use of short reversal sets with symmetrical lens groups, leading to imaging errors and instability in construction.
Innovation Solution
A reversal set design featuring two outer achromats with at least two lenses each, surrounded by two inner achromats with smaller diameters securely positioned in a receiving sleeve, which are arranged between the outer achromats to reduce tilting and enhance stability, with the outer achromats and sleeve connected via a system tube, and lenses glued or cemented for precise alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If short reversal sets with symmetrical lens groups are used in rigid endoscopes, then the device complexity is reduced, but the construction stability deteriorates leading to imaging errors
Solution Approach 1:
The inner achromats are nested within a receiving sleeve that is itself positioned between the outer achromats. This nested arrangement (inner achromats inside sleeve, sleeve between outer achromats) provides stable positioning and alignment while maintaining a compact structure, resolving the contradiction between simplicity and stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The reversal set uses asymmetrical arrangement where inner achromats with smaller diameters are positioned within a receiving sleeve, while outer achromats with larger diameters are positioned at the ends. This asymmetrical design provides better mechanical stability and alignment compared to purely symmetrical arrangements.
2Device complexity
If inner achromats are arranged between outer achromats without a receiving sleeve, then the device complexity is reduced, but the alignment precision deteriorates due to tilting
Solution Approach 1:
The receiving sleeve acts as an intermediary component between the inner achromats and the outer achromats. It provides a stable mounting structure that maintains precise alignment and prevents tilting of the inner achromats, while still keeping the overall structure relatively simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The receiving sleeve provides localized support and alignment features specifically where needed for the inner achromats, while the rest of the structure remains simple. This localized enhancement of quality (alignment precision) without overall complexity increase resolves the contradiction.
3Device complexity
If outer achromats and receiving sleeve are not connected via system tube, then the device complexity is reduced, but the optical axis alignment stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system tube serves multiple functions: it provides structural support, maintains optical axis alignment, and connects the outer achromats with the receiving sleeve containing inner achromats. This multi-functional approach maintains stability without adding separate dedicated alignment mechanisms.
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 design improves the optical performance of endoscopes by increasing stability and reducing imaging errors, ensuring upright image orientation while maintaining the optical axis alignment.
Implementation Method 1
The lenses of an inner achromat or the lenses of the two inner achromats are preferably glued or cemented into the receiving sleeve
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
The invention relates, inter alia, to a reversing assembly (2) for an endoscope (1), in particular a laparoscope or uroscope, comprising two outer achromats (10, 20) each having at least two lenses (11, 12; 21; 22), wherein the outer achromats (10, 20) have an outer diameter (D10, D20), and comprising two inner achromats (30, 40) arranged between the outer achromats (10, 20), wherein each of the inner achromats (30, 40) has at least two lenses (31, 32; 41, 42), wherein the lenses (31, 32; 41, 42) of an inner achromat (30, 40) or the lenses (31, 32; 41, 42) of the inner achromats (30, 40) are received in a receiving sleeve (50), wherein the receiving sleeve (50) is connected to an inner achromat (30, 40) or with the two inner achromats (30, 40) arranged between the outer achromats (10, 20).