Endoscope Tip Actuators for Multi-Characteristic Optical Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Industrial endoscopes require frequent exchange of optical adaptors to switch between different optical characteristics, such as near and distant focus, direct and side views, which increases the complexity and workload of inspection tasks, as existing systems with a single actuator at the tip end can only switch up to two types of optical characteristics.
Innovation Solution
The endoscope system incorporates two or more actuators at the tip end, allowing independent control of multiple optical members, such as shutters, to switch between four types of optical characteristics without the need for adaptor exchange, by applying control signals with specific signal values and durations to each actuator.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single actuator is used at the tip end to switch optical characteristics, then the device complexity is reduced, but the adaptability is limited to only two types of optical characteristics
Solution Approach 1:
The single actuator is divided into multiple independent actuators (first actuator and second actuator), each capable of controlling different optical members. This segmentation allows the system to switch between more than two optical characteristics while keeping each individual actuator relatively simple.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple actuators are integrated into a single optical adaptor unit that can attach to the insertion unit, creating a multi-functional component. This universal adaptor can switch between various optical characteristics (direct view, side view, near focus, distant focus) without requiring separate adaptors for each function.
2Adaptability or versatility
If optical adaptors are frequently exchanged to switch between different optical characteristics, then the adaptability is improved, but the productivity decreases due to increased workload and complexity
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple optical characteristics are merged into a single optical adaptor that contains both the first and second actuators along with their respective optical members. This consolidation eliminates the need to exchange multiple separate adaptors, allowing an inspector to switch between different optical characteristics (direct view, side view, near focus, distant focus) by simply operating the actuators within one adaptor, thereby improving inspection efficiency.
3Ease of operation
If multiple optical members are controlled by a single actuator, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ease of operation decreases for complex imaging requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The control of multiple optical members is segmented into separate actuators - the first actuator controls the first optical member while the second actuator controls the second optical member. This independent control allows for more precise and easier operation when complex imaging requirements need to be met, as each actuator can be optimized for its specific optical member without interfering with the other.
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 the endoscope to switch between multiple optical characteristics, reducing the need for adaptor exchange and simplifying inspection tasks by allowing the system to handle more complex imaging requirements with reduced operational complexity.
Implementation Method 1
An actuator is a driving mechanism using a coil and a magnet. Such technology is used as a driving mechanism of a lens mounted in cameras, optical storage devices, and the like. The direction and amount of driving force are controlled in accordance with the direction and amount of current applied to a coil.
Data Source
AI summary
In an endoscope system, a first actuator is configured to move a first optical member when a control signal is applied to the first actuator. A second actuator is configured to move a second optical member only when the control signal having a signal value greater than or equal to a predetermined value is applied to the second actuator. A signal source is configured to apply the control signal having the signal value greater than or equal to the predetermined value or the control signal having a signal value less than the predetermined value to the first actuator and is configured to apply the control signal having the signal value greater than or equal to the predetermined value to the second actuator.