Endoscope Sensor Connection Layout for Shaft Miniaturization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing endoscope designs face challenges in miniaturization due to the bulkiness of circuit boards and complex assembly methods, particularly in orienting the image sensor's viewing direction along the endoscope's longitudinal axis without increasing structural complexity or production costs.
Innovation Solution
A compact connection technique using a multilayer system with a flat contact-connection section and a flexible bending section, where the bending section is arranged within a shadow cast by the sensor's field, allowing for a miniaturized design without radial projection, and enabling the integration of electronic components close to the sensor with short signal paths.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a rigid circuit board with planar contact-connection section is used to connect the sensor, then reliable electrical connection is achieved, but the transverse dimension of the instrument increases
Solution Approach 1:
The circuit board is divided into two distinct sections: a rigid contact-connection section for reliable electrical connection and a flexible bending section for space-saving routing. This segmentation allows each part to fulfill its specific function optimally without compromising the other.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection lines are routed through a shadow region defined by the sensor field along the longitudinal axis, utilizing the longitudinal dimension rather than increasing the transverse dimension. This dimensional transition reduces the instrument's cross-sectional area.
2Area of stationary object
If the sensor is arranged in a longitudinal plane of the shaft to economize transverse space, then the transverse dimension is reduced, but the viewing direction becomes orthogonal to the shaft axis requiring additional optical components
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of arranging the sensor in the longitudinal plane and adding optical components to correct the viewing direction, the invention inverts the approach by routing the connection in the shadow region, allowing the sensor to be positioned with its viewing direction aligned with the shaft axis from the outset.
3Adaptability or versatility
If individual cables are used for electrical connection of the sensor, then flexibility is improved, but assembly complexity and production costs increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple individual cable connections are merged into a single integrated flexible bending section with printed circuit board technology. This combining maintains the flexibility needed for space-saving routing while dramatically simplifying assembly through standardized PCB manufacturing processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical cable assembly process is replaced with automated PCB manufacturing techniques, substituting manual cable routing and connection with automated printing and lamination processes, thereby reducing assembly complexity and production costs.
4Area of stationary object
If a flexible bending section is added to route connection lines, then space utilization is improved, but the overall connection structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
Different regions of the circuit board are assigned different mechanical properties: the contact-connection section is rigid for stable electrical connection, while the bending section is flexible for space-saving routing. This local differentiation of properties allows the structure to fulfill multiple functions without excessive complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
For the miniaturization of an investigation instrument (1), which includes a sensor (3), which is arranged in the interior of a long shaft (2) and is electrically contact-connected by a connection (8), it is provided that a flexible bending section (10) is configured on the connection (8), and is thus connected with a contact-connection section (9), which is contact-connected with contacts (4) of the sensor (3) on the reverse side such that, firstly, the entire connection (8) is arranged in the shadow of the image sensor (3) and, secondly, the bending section (10) originates from the contact-connection section (9) within a field (5) which is subtended by the reverse-side contacts (4) of the sensor (3).