Endoscope Tip Lens Two-Color Molding Impact Resistance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional endoscopes face issues with impact resistance and light distribution, particularly in thin models, due to the placement and assembly of optical lenses, which are prone to damage and require complex assembly processes.
Innovation Solution
An endoscope tip part with a positive-power transparent-plastic tip lens integrated through two-color molding, featuring specific refractive indices and focal lengths for the lenses, and an insertion hole design that minimizes eccentricities and enhances light distribution over a wide angle of view.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the first lenses are disposed near the center of the tip surface in a thin endoscope, then the endoscope can maintain a compact size, but the lenses are subject to direct impact and breakage because the distances from the side surface are short
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the tip part main body and the tip lens into a single integrated component through two-color molding. This integration ensures that the lens cannot separate from the tip part even under impact, preventing breakage while maintaining the compact endoscope design. The lens is formed as an integral part of the tip structure, eliminating the need for separate mounting that would increase size or complexity.
2Manufacturing precision
If the objective optical system and the illumination optical system are individually assembled, then each system can be optimized separately, but the assembly task becomes complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the tip part main body and tip lens into a single molded component, significantly simplifying the assembly process. Instead of separately assembling multiple optical systems, the integrated tip part is installed as a unit, reducing assembly complexity while maintaining optical performance through precise molding processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the illumination optical system into a modular tip part that can be independently optimized and then integrated with the main endoscope body. This segmentation allows for separate optimization of the illumination system while simplifying the overall assembly process through standardized interfaces.
3Device complexity
If a single lens is used for illumination, then the structure is simple, but the light distribution characteristics are insufficient at wide angles of view
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs multiple lenses with different local optical properties arranged in the illumination system. Each lens is positioned and configured to provide specific light distribution characteristics, with the combined effect achieving uniform illumination across wide angles of view. The conditional expressions ensure optimal spacing and positioning of these lenses for enhanced light distribution.
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
The solution provides improved impact resistance, reduced assembly complexity, and uniform light distribution with reduced manufacturing costs, while maintaining lens accuracy and preventing mechanical vignetting and light loss.
Implementation Method 1
a positive-power transparent-plastic tip lens that is integrated with the tip part main body through two-color molding... nd1 is a refractive index of the tip lens... r2 is a radius of curvature of a surface of the tip lens closer to the light source
Implementation Method 2
two positive-power rear lenses that will be disposed behind the tip lens... nd2 is a refractive index of the rear lens that is adjacent to the tip lens... r3 is a radius of curvature of a surface of the rear lens that is adjacent to the tip lens
Data Source
AI summary
An endoscope tip part has impact resistance even when applied to a thin endoscope, and the light distribution characteristics thereof can be improved even at a wide angle of view. An endoscope tip part includes a tip part main body that is attached to the tip of an insertion section of an endoscope and a positive-power transparent-plastic tip lens that is integrated with the tip part main body through two-color molding. The tip lens is a lens that is located closest to an object, among optical elements constituting an illumination optical system of the endoscope, and the tip part main body is provided with an insertion hole into which two positive-power rear lenses that will be disposed behind the tip lens are inserted.