Endoscope Video Terminal Positioning for RF Noise Reduction

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Solution Overview

Problem

The close proximity of image sensors and treatment tool channels in endoscopes leads to interference from radio-frequency radiation, affecting video signals and obstructing the narrowing of insertion units, which is necessary for improved design.

Innovation Solution

The image sensor terminals, particularly the video terminal, are positioned to be the farthest from the center of the treatment tool channel, increasing noise resistance without obstructing the narrowing of the insertion unit.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of stationary object

If the image sensor and treatment tool channel are disposed close to each other to narrow the insertion unit, then the insertion unit width is reduced, but the video signal becomes susceptible to radio-frequency noise

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinsertion unit widthVSAvoidradio-frequency noise interference
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dimensional arrangement by positioning the video terminal at the maximum distance from the treatment tool channel center in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. This spatial optimization in the transverse dimension reduces noise coupling while maintaining the narrow insertion unit profile.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements local quality optimization by specifically arranging the video terminal (the most noise-sensitive component) at the farthest position from the treatment tool channel, while other terminals can be positioned more closely. This localized spatial optimization protects the critical video signal without compromising overall compactness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Object-affected harmful factors

If shield pieces are added to cover exposed conductor portions, then noise resistance is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenoise resistanceVSAvoidshielding structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the video terminal from the group of terminals and positions it separately at the farthest distance from the treatment tool channel. This separation eliminates the need for additional shielding structures around the video terminal, reducing device complexity while maintaining noise resistance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The spatial arrangement of the video terminal at maximum distance from the treatment tool channel provides inherent noise protection through geometry alone, making the system self-protecting against radio-frequency interference without requiring additional shielding components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS10307039B2Endoscope
Publication Date: 2019.06.04 FUJIFILM CORP
  • US10307039B2 patent drawing
  • US10307039B2 patent drawing
  • US10307039B2 patent drawing

AI summary

An endoscope includes in a tip portion of an insertion unit: an image sensor having plural terminals including a video terminal which outputs a video signal; and a tip potion of a treatment tool channel which extends in a longitudinal direction of the insertion unit, and a distance of the video terminal is longest among distances of the respective terminals from a center of the treatment tool channel in a plane that is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.