Multi-Viewing Endoscope Tip Circuit Board Assembly

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current endoscopes, such as colonoscopes, have limited fields of view and restricted access for surgical tools, hindering efficient medical procedures and packing of essential components within the tip section.

Innovation Solution

A multi-viewing elements endoscopy system with a frame design that includes multiple optical assembly chambers, illuminators, and fluid channels, allowing for broader viewing and enhanced tool access, integrated with a manifold for efficient fluid management and heat dissipation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple optical assemblies are integrated into the endoscope tip section, then the field of view is broadened, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefield of viewVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent integrates multiple optical assemblies (front, first side, and second side optical assemblies) into a single endoscope tip section, combining multiple viewing functions into one unified structure. This merging approach broadens the field of view while managing complexity through integrated design rather than separate components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The endoscope tip section is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously - front viewing, first side viewing, and second side viewing - all within a single integrated structure. This multi-functionality allows the device to provide comprehensive visualization capabilities without requiring multiple separate instruments.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of operation

If multiple optical assemblies are packed into the tip section, then tool access is improved, but the packing density requirement increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetool accessVSAvoidpacking density
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The tip section is divided into distinct functional zones - front optical assembly, first side optical assembly, and second side optical assembly - each with its own chamber. This segmentation allows for organized placement of multiple components while maintaining access pathways for surgical tools through the working channel.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs a nested arrangement where multiple optical assemblies are positioned within the tip section structure, with each assembly housed in its own chamber. The working channel and fluid channels are integrated within this nested structure, allowing tools to access the treatment site while optical assemblies remain positioned for optimal viewing angles.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Adaptability or versatility

If fluid channels and illuminators are integrated with optical assemblies, then functionality is enhanced, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovefunctionalityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple functional systems - optical assemblies, illuminators, and fluid channels - into a single integrated endoscope tip section. Each optical assembly is paired with its own illuminator and fluid channel system, creating merged functional units that work together seamlessly to provide enhanced versatility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The endoscope tip section is designed as a universal platform that performs multiple functions: imaging through optical assemblies, illumination through integrated illuminators, and fluid management through dedicated channels. This multi-functional design allows a single device to replace what would traditionally require multiple separate instruments.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP3048946B1Circuit board assembly of a multiple viewing elements endoscope
Publication Date: 2018.12.05 ENDOCHOICE INC
  • EP3048946B1 patent drawingFigure 1A
  • EP3048946B1 patent drawingFigure 1B
  • EP3048946B1 patent drawingFigure 1C~1F

AI summary

There is provided herein, an electronic circuit board assembly for a tip section of a multiple viewing elements endoscope, the assembly including a base board configured to carry a first metal frame to support a front looking viewing element and a second metal frame to support a side looking viewing element; and a flexible illumination circuit board comprising a front foldable panel configured to carry three sets of front illuminators for essentially illuminating the field of view (FOV) of the front looking viewing element, and a side foldable panel configured to carry a set of side illuminators for essentially illuminating the field of view (FOV) of the side looking viewing element.