Endoscope Distal End Two-Resin Optical Member Fixation

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing endoscopes face challenges in preventing flare and ensuring reliable fixation and cleaning of optical members due to adhesive limitations, particularly in maintaining optical characteristics and preventing foreign substance adhesion and fracture.

Innovation Solution

The use of a two-resin system where a first thermo-setting epoxy resin fixes the optical member to the barrel, and a second fiber-reinforced resin with higher fracture toughness forms a protruding light-blocking portion around the optical member's distal end, enhancing adhesive strength and preventing flare.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a single resin is used to fix the optical member, then the structure is simple, but the fracture toughness is insufficient and the adhesive strength is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveresin structureVSAvoidadhesive strength

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a composite resin structure consisting of a first resin for fixation and a second resin with higher fracture toughness for reinforcement. This composite approach combines the advantages of different materials to achieve both adequate adhesion and high fracture resistance, resolving the contradiction between structural simplicity and reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies different resin properties to different locations: the first resin is used where adhesion is critical (between optical member and barrel), while the second resin with higher fracture toughness is applied where mechanical strength is needed (outer peripheral portion). This localized differentiation resolves the contradiction by optimizing each region for its specific function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Reliability

If the optical member is fixed with adhesive, then the fixation is reliable, but flare prevention and cleaning are compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefixation reliabilityVSAvoidflare and foreign substance adhesion

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the resin structure into functional zones: the first resin provides fixation, while the second resin forms a protruding light-blocking portion that prevents flare. This segmentation allows each zone to perform its specific function optimally, resolving the contradiction between reliable fixation and flare prevention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The second resin acts as an intermediary element between the optical member and the external environment. It forms a protective protruding portion that blocks light and prevents foreign substance adhesion, while the first resin maintains the adhesive bonding. This intermediary structure resolves the contradiction by providing a barrier function without compromising fixation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Object-affected harmful factors

If a protruding portion is added for flare prevention, then light blocking is improved, but the structure becomes more complex and fracture resistance is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflare preventionVSAvoidfracture toughness

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses composite resin materials where the second resin with higher fracture toughness is specifically selected for the protruding light-blocking portion. This ensures that the flare prevention structure has sufficient fracture resistance, resolving the contradiction between light blocking capability and structural strength.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

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 ensures reliable fixation and easy cleaning of the endoscope, maintaining optical characteristics and preventing fractures, while effectively blocking light to prevent flare and ensuring high reliability.

Implementation Method 1

a first resin disposed between a wall surface of the through hole and a side surface of the optical member

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAdhesion: Adhesive

Implementation Method 2

the second resin forming a protruding portion which protrudes from the distal end surface of the optical member, containing light blocking particles

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight blocking: Absorption (EM radiation)

Data Source

PatentUS11712152B2Endoscope and insertion section of endoscope having first and second resins for retaining optical member at distal end

Publication Date: 2023.08.01 OLYMPUS CORPORATION(JP)

AI summary

An endoscope includes: a barrel having an opening of a through hole on an outer surface; a lens inserted into the through hole and having a distal end surface which protrudes from the outer surface; a first resin disposed between a wall surface of the through hole and a side surface of the lens; and a second resin disposed on a surface of the first resin, a portion of the barrel disposed around the opening, and an entire circumference of an outer peripheral portion of the distal end surface of the lens, the second resin forming a protruding portion which protrudes from the distal end surface of the optical member, containing light blocking particles, and having a larger fracture toughness value than the first resin.