Endoscope Tilted Optics Homogeneous Illumination Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional endoscopes with tilted viewing directions often have distal ends of optical fibers only at the most distal region of the edge of the distal front face, lacking a homogeneous illumination and potentially causing shadows, which can make object viewing less comfortable and less effective.
Innovation Solution
The endoscope design includes a plurality of segments between the outer surface region of the distal ends of optics members and the inner surface region of the outer shaft member, with the distal ends of optical fibers located between the distal ends of the optics members and the most proximal region of the edge of the distal front face, allowing illumination light to be emitted from both the most distal and proximal regions for a more homogeneous illumination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If distal ends of optical fibers are positioned only at the most distal region of the edge of the distal front face, then the structure is simple, but illumination homogeneity deteriorates and shadows are caused
Solution Approach 1:
The distal front face is divided into multiple regions (most distal region, intermediate regions, and most proximal region) along the longitudinal axis. Optical fibers are strategically positioned in these different regions to segment the illumination function, ensuring homogeneous lighting across the entire viewing field while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
2Device complexity
If distal ends of optical fibers are positioned only at the most distal region, then the device complexity is low, but viewing effectiveness deteriorates due to shadows
Solution Approach 1:
Different regions of the distal front face are assigned different functions: the most distal region provides illumination and viewing, intermediate regions provide additional illumination, and the most proximal region provides supplementary illumination. This local differentiation ensures that each area contributes optimally to overall viewing effectiveness, eliminating shadows while keeping the device complexity manageable.
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 design enhances illumination homogeneity and reduces shadows, making object viewing more comfortable and effective by ensuring that illumination light is emitted from both the most distal and proximal regions of the edge of the distal front face.
Implementation Method 1
optical fibers (50, 60) made of an optically transparent material and provided and conditioned for the transport of illumination light to the distal end (12) of the endoscope (10)
Data Source
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AI summary
An endoscope comprises an outer shaft member (30) with a distal end (32) forming a distal end (12) of the endoscope and an optics member (40) with a distal end (42). The optics member (40) is located inside the outer shaft member (30). The optics member (40) defines a viewing direction (48) of the endoscope (10), the viewing direction (48) being tilted relative to a longitudinal axis (18) of the outer shaft member (30). The endoscope further comprises optical fibers (60) comprising an optically transparent material and provided and conditioned for the transport of illumination light to the distal end (12) of the endoscope (10). The endoscope further comprises a segment (80) located between an outer surface region (43) of the distal end (42) of the optics member (42) and an inner surface region (38) of the distal end (32) of the outer shaft member (30). The orientation of distal ends (62) of the optical fibers (60) is defined by the segment (80).