Endoscope Tip Window Integrating Convex Lens for Illumination

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing endoscope tip parts suffer from issues such as uneven illumination leading to poor vision quality, limited applicability, high manufacturing and assembly costs, and the need for miniaturization and watertight sealing, especially when used in disposable endoscopes for investigating narrow and hard-to-reach body cavities.

Innovation Solution

The integration of a convex lens within the window of the endoscope tip part, which serves as both a light source and an optical component, providing adequate illumination while reducing manufacturing costs and complexity, and ensuring watertightness through a single, molded part.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Illumination intensity

If a separate lens is integrated into the tip part, then illumination quality is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveillumination qualityVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Illumination intensityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the lens function directly into the window structure of the tip part. The window is formed with a curved outer surface that acts as the lens, eliminating the need for a separate lens component. This integration reduces the number of parts, simplifies assembly, and lowers manufacturing cost while maintaining effective illumination of the field of vision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Reliability

If multiple separate components are used in the tip part, then functional performance is improved, but assembly complexity and manufacturing cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefunctional performanceVSAvoidassembly complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple functions into the window component: the window serves as both the protective cover and the optical lens element. The curved outer surface of the window provides the lens function, while the window itself protects the internal components. This merging of functions reduces the number of parts and assembly steps.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The window is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a protective barrier, an optical lens for illumination, and a structural element of the tip part. This multi-functionality reduces the overall component count and simplifies the device while maintaining reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the tip part is miniaturized for narrow body cavities, then adaptability is improved, but manufacturing precision and sealing difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to narrow cavitiesVSAvoidmanufacturing precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The integration of the lens function into the window allows for a more compact tip part design. By eliminating separate lens components and their mounting structures, the overall size of the tip part is reduced, enabling it to access narrower body cavities while maintaining the necessary optical functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Adaptability or versatility

If the tip part is miniaturized for narrow body cavities, then adaptability is improved, but sealing difficulty and watertightness maintenance increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to narrow cavitiesVSAvoidwatertightness

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The window serves as both the lens and the sealing element. By integrating the optical function into the window structure, the number of interfaces and potential leakage points is reduced. The window can be sealed to the tip part housing, providing watertight protection for the internal electronics while maintaining the miniaturized design needed for narrow cavities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 solution enhances vision quality by ensuring even illumination, reduces assembly complexity, and allows for miniaturization, while maintaining watertightness and cost-effectiveness, particularly suitable for disposable endoscopes used in challenging applications.

Implementation Method 1

a first lens positioned in front of the first light source so that a portion of light emitted from the first light source travels towards and propagates through the first lens; the first lens is a convex lens

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight refraction: Refraction

Data Source

PatentUS11311184B2Tip part for a vision device

Publication Date: 2022.04.26 AMBU AS

AI summary

A tip part for an endoscope has a vision receptor having a vision sensor for providing an image from received light; a first light source; an exterior housing; and a first lens positioned in front of the first light source so that a portion of light emitted from the first light source travels towards and propagates through the first lens; the exterior housing comprising a window consisting essentially of a transparent material, so that light emitted from the first light source can pass through the window to the exterior, the window comprising an exterior surface positioned at in front of the first light source, wherein the first lens is a convex lens and has a convex lens surface integrally provided on an interior surface of the window.