Endoscope Thin Plate Substrate Power Routing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing endoscope designs face challenges in efficiently powering electrical components at the distal end, particularly due to signal attenuation and distortion over long insertion lengths, which can lead to disconnection issues during bending operations and increased diameter of the distal end portion.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating a thin plate-like flexible substrate (FPC) between the image pickup portion and the power supply line, which connects the electrical components to the power supply, and using a spool to fix the power supply line to the image pickup cable, preventing disconnection and allowing for a thinner distal end configuration.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If a power supply line is inserted in the insertion portion to supply electric power to electrical components in the distal end portion, then electric power can be supplied to the electrical components, but the diameter of the distal end portion increases and the insertion portion becomes thicker

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectric power supply to electrical componentsVSAvoiddiameter of distal end portion

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions the power supply line from an internal insertion portion routing to an external routing along the insertion portion's outer circumference. The power supply line is laid on the outer surface of the insertion portion and fixed there, rather than being inserted into the insertion portion's interior. This dimensional change allows power supply while maintaining a thin distal end diameter.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a flexible substrate as an intermediary carrier for the power supply line. The flexible substrate serves as a mediator that holds the power supply line on the outer circumference of the insertion portion and provides electrical connection to the electrical components in the distal end portion, enabling power supply without increasing the insertion portion's diameter.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Use of energy by moving object

If the power supply line is inserted in the insertion portion, then electric power can be supplied to the electrical components, but signal attenuation and distortion occur over long insertion lengths

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectric power supply to electrical componentsVSAvoidsignal attenuation and distortion

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the power supply line from the insertion portion's interior and relocates it to the outer circumference. By taking out the power supply line from the constrained internal space, the system eliminates the signal attenuation and distortion problems associated with long insertion lengths while maintaining the ability to supply electric power to the electrical components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Use of energy by moving object

If the power supply line is inserted in the insertion portion, then electric power can be supplied to the electrical components, but disconnection issues occur during bending operations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectric power supply to electrical componentsVSAvoidconnection reliability during bending

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a flexible substrate as the carrier for the power supply line, which provides dynamic flexibility to accommodate bending operations. The flexible substrate can bend and deform with the insertion portion during bending operations, maintaining electrical connection reliability while allowing the distal end portion to be positioned flexibly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

4Use of energy by moving object

If a thick power supply line is used to supply electric power, then reliable power supply can be achieved, but the distal end portion diameter increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectric power supply reliabilityVSAvoiddiameter of distal end portion

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent resolves the contradiction between power supply reliability and thin diameter by changing the routing dimension. Instead of placing the power supply line radially (which would increase diameter), the line is placed circumferentially on the outer surface of the insertion portion. This allows sufficient conductor cross-section for reliable power supply while maintaining a thin distal end profile.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Data Source

PatentUS8721524B2Endoscope with thin plate-like substrate

Publication Date: 2014.05.13 EVIDENT CORP

AI summary

An endoscope according to the present invention includes: an elongated insertion portion inserted in an examination object; an LED which is provided in a distal end portion of the insertion portion and is driven by supply of electric power; an image pickup portion which is provided in the distal end portion on a rear end side in the insertion direction than the LED, and which picks up an image of the examination object; a power supply line for power supply, a distal end in an insertion direction of which is positioned in the distal end portion on a rear end side in the insertion direction than the image pickup portion, and which is inserted in the insertion portion.