Endoscope Switch Unit Steam Sealing via Curved Catch Sections

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing image pickup apparatus for endoscopes faces issues with high-temperature, high-pressure steam entering the exterior member during sterilization, causing the image pickup device to malfunction and the objective optical system to fog, necessitating a solution to protect the internal components from steam exposure.

Innovation Solution

A switch unit with a frame body, multiple holes, soft switch covers, and catch sections that securely fix switches to the opening section, preventing steam ingress and maintaining watertightness during autoclave processes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the image pickup unit is disposed at a location where high-temperature, high-pressure steam does not reach, then the image pickup device can normally operate, but the objective optical system may still be fogged

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimage pickup device operationVSAvoidobjective optical system fogging

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The exterior member is divided into a sealed interior space and an exterior steam exposure zone. The switch unit is positioned in the interior space while the objective optical system is positioned in the exterior zone, allowing segmentation of the harmful steam exposure from the image pickup components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The switch unit acts as an intermediary component that can be exposed to steam while protecting the image pickup unit. The switch unit is designed with steam-resistant materials and sealing structures that allow it to function in the steam environment without transmitting harm to the image pickup device.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If switch covers are fixed to opening sections in the exterior member, then switches can be operated, but pressure changes during autoclave processes cause the switch covers to move

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveswitch operationVSAvoidswitch cover position stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The switch cover includes a curved bottom surface that fits into a corresponding curved receiving cavity in the opening section. This curved geometry provides mechanical interlocking that resists displacement during autoclave pressure changes while maintaining ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

Solution Approach 2:

The switch cover is pre-designed with integrated sealing structures and mechanical retention features before assembly. The bottom surface curvature and receiving cavity configuration are predetermined to automatically prevent movement during steam sterilization without requiring additional fastening mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Reliability

If a metal airtight enclosure is provided in the exterior member, then the image pickup unit is protected from steam, but the structure becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimage pickup unit protectionVSAvoidexterior member structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The exterior member's opening section structure serves multiple functions: it provides mechanical support for the switch unit, creates a sealed barrier against steam, and incorporates the switch cover retention mechanism. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate protective enclosures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The switch cover acts as a flexible sealing element that forms airtight and watertight seals with the opening section. This thin film approach provides effective steam protection without requiring thick or complex metallic enclosure structures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

4Device complexity

If multiple switches are integrated into a single opening section, then the number of opening sections is reduced, but the switch cover must cover multiple switches simultaneously

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenumber of opening sectionsVSAvoidswitch accessibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple switches are arranged in different spatial dimensions within the single opening section, allowing the switch cover to provide unified coverage while maintaining individual switch accessibility. The vertical and horizontal positioning of switches enables compact integration without compromising operational ease.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Data Source

PatentUS10534169B2Switch unit, image pickup apparatus for endoscope including switch unit, and endoscope including switch unit

Publication Date: 2020.01.14 OLYMPUS CORPORATION(JP)

AI summary

A switch unit includes a frame body which is fixed to an opening section and in which a plurality of holes are formed, a plurality of switches provided in each of two of the plurality of holes, a soft switch cover that is disposed in each of the two holes and covers the plurality of switches, a first catch section formed as part of the switch cover in a position between the plurality of switches, a switch fixing member that is disposed in each of the two holes, is covered with the switch cover, fixes the plurality of switches to the opening section, and catches the first catch section in a position facing the first catch section, and a second catch section formed at an outer circumference of the switch cover and caught by the frame body.