Endoscope Curved-Shape Detection Sensor Optical Fiber Axis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing endoscope apparatuses with curved-shape detection sensors face challenges in accurately detecting the curved shape of distal insertion tubes due to bending stress and reduced detection accuracy caused by twisting of optical fibers, especially when the tubes are curved in multiple directions.
Innovation Solution
The endoscope apparatus incorporates a curved-shape detection sensor with an optical fiber that propagates detection light and includes a sensing part with an optical characteristic conversion member, which changes light characteristics based on the curvature, allowing for reliable detection of the curved shape by arranging the optical fiber on or near the curve axis of the insertion tube, reducing bending stress and maintaining high detection accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the optical fiber is arranged on the outer peripheral surface of the light guide to detect curved shape, then the detection coverage is improved, but the optical fiber is subjected to bending stress and twisting which reduces detection accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from detecting curved shapes using optical fibers on the outer peripheral surface (two-dimensional surface arrangement) to using an optical fiber arranged on the curve axis (one-dimensional central arrangement). This dimensional change eliminates the twisting problem that occurs when the insertion tube curves in multiple directions, as the fiber on the curve axis experiences only bending stress without torsion, thereby maintaining detection accuracy and reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the optical fiber from its conventional position on the outer peripheral surface of the light guide and relocates it to the curve axis of the insertion tube. This extraction from the problematic surface arrangement eliminates the harmful twisting effect while preserving the curved shape detection function, resolving the contradiction between detection coverage and detection reliability
2Measurement precision
If the optical fiber is arranged on the curve axis of the insertion tube, then bending stress is reduced and detection accuracy is maintained, but the structural complexity of the sensor arrangement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The curve axis of the insertion tube serves multiple functions: it acts as the central reference line for the tube's curvature and simultaneously serves as the optimal position for arranging the optical fiber sensor. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate sensor mounting structures, reducing overall structural complexity while maintaining high detection accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the positional parameter of the optical fiber from the outer peripheral surface to the curve axis. This parameter change optimizes the fiber's mechanical environment by minimizing bending stress and eliminating twisting, while the simplicity of the curve axis position itself reduces the complexity of the sensor arrangement
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 enables precise detection of curved shapes with reduced bending stress and high sensitivity, ensuring reliable shape detection even when the insertion tube curves in multiple directions, thereby improving the accuracy and endurance of the endoscope apparatus.
Implementation Method 1
an optical fiber for propagating detection light and a sensing part provided in at least a part of the optical fiber
Implementation Method 2
detect a curved shape of the insertion tube based on a change of characteristics of the detection light after passing the sensing part made in accordance with a change in a curved shape of the optical fiber when the optical fiber is curved
Data Source
AI summary
An endoscope apparatus includes an endoscope including a flexible insertion tube and a curved-shape detection sensor. The curved-shape detection sensor includes an optical fiber for propagating detection light and a sensing part provided in at least a part of the optical fiber. The curved-shape detection sensor detects a curved shape of the insertion tube based on a change of characteristics of the detection light after passing the sensing part made in accordance with a change in a curved shape of the optical fiber when the optical fiber is curved. The optical fiber is arranged on a curve axis of the insertion tube defined when the insertion tube is curved in a predetermined curve direction, or in a proximity region of the curve axis.