Endoscope Distal End Voltage Conversion for Signal Integrity
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Solution Overview
Problem
In endoscopes, long transmission cables lead to voltage drops, causing inaccurate signal transmission and difficulty in maintaining high-resolution video signals due to limited space at the distal end for adjustment circuits.
Innovation Solution
An endoscope design with a voltage conversion device mounted on a flexible substrate at the distal end, which outputs a constant voltage to the image sensor, reducing the need for additional space-consuming adjustment circuits and minimizing the distal end's diameter while ensuring stable high-resolution video transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of stationary object
If a long transmission cable is used to transmit video signals from the distal end image sensor, then the transmission distance is increased, but voltage drop occurs causing signal degradation and inaccurate information transmission
Solution Approach 1:
A voltage conversion device is introduced as an intermediary component between the transmission cable and the image sensor. This device converts the input voltage from the transmission cable into a constant output voltage for the image sensor, mediating the voltage drop issue caused by long cable lengths and ensuring reliable signal transmission regardless of cable length variations
2Reliability
If adjustment circuits are added to compensate for voltage drop, then voltage stability is improved, but the distal end portion diameter increases which is unacceptable for medical equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The voltage conversion device is merged with the image sensor assembly on the distal end portion. By integrating the voltage conversion function into the existing image sensor housing rather than adding separate adjustment circuits, the solution maintains voltage stability while avoiding an increase in the overall distal end portion diameter
Solution Approach 2:
The voltage conversion device utilizes a flexible substrate for mounting, allowing it to be integrated into the constrained space of the distal end portion without requiring rigid bulky circuit boards. This flexible mounting approach enables voltage compensation while maintaining the compact form factor required for medical endoscope applications
3Shape
If the distal end portion diameter is reduced for medical applications, then ease of insertion is improved, but space for housing adjustment circuits is reduced making voltage compensation difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The voltage conversion device is mounted on a flexible substrate that can be arranged in a two-dimensional layout optimized for the available space. This allows the circuit components to be distributed efficiently across the substrate area rather than requiring a linear arrangement, maximizing space utilization in the constrained distal end portion while maintaining all necessary voltage compensation functions
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 allows for stable operation and high-resolution video signal transmission even with long transmission cables, reducing the distal end's diameter and eliminating the need for bulky adjustment circuits, thus enhancing the endoscope's functionality and miniaturization.
Implementation Method 1
a voltage conversion device mounted on a substrate and outputting a constant voltage to the image sensor with respect to a voltage input to the transmission cable
Data Source
AI summary
An endoscope includes a scope provided with a hard portion at a distal end of a long flexible portion having flexibility; an image capturing portion housed in the hard portion and having an image sensor; a transmission cable inserted into the scope and conductively connected to the image sensor at a distal end via a substrate, and a voltage conversion device mounted on the substrate and outputting a constant voltage to the image sensor with respect to a input voltage input to the transmission cable.