Endoscopic Imaging Assembly With Distal LED for Fiber-Free Illumination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional endoscope devices have a complicated structure and are difficult to assemble, and they suffer from poor illumination due to the use of long optical fibers that cause light leakage and energy inefficiency.
Innovation Solution
The endoscopic image capturing assembly positions the light emitting component closer to the tip portion than the image sensing device, eliminating the need for long optical fibers, and incorporates a compact design with conducting tracks and cables for improved illumination and easier assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of stationary object
If a long optical fiber is used to transmit light from the light emitting component to the distal end, then light can be transmitted over a longer distance, but light leakage increases and illumination quality deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the optical fiber from the system entirely. Instead of transmitting light through a long optical fiber, the light emitting component is positioned at the distal end to emit light directly into the body cavity, eliminating the optical fiber and its associated light leakage problems
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a new intermediary structure: a light shield arranged between the light emitting component and the image sensor. This light shield prevents stray light from reaching the image sensor, solving the light leakage issue without requiring long optical fibers
2Ease of operation
If the light emitting component is positioned farther from the distal end, then assembly is easier, but illumination quality and energy efficiency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions the light emitting component at the distal end in the longitudinal dimension, while using the radial dimension to arrange the light shield around it. This spatial arrangement allows the light emitting component to be close to the target for energy efficiency while the light shield provides protection from stray light
3Adaptability or versatility
If a conventional endoscope structure with separate components is used, then functionality is comprehensive, but device complexity and assembly difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the light emitting component and image sensor into the same distal end assembly, with the light shield integrating around them. This unified structure reduces the number of separate components and simplifies assembly while maintaining comprehensive functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The distal end assembly serves multiple functions: the light emitting component provides illumination, the image sensor captures images, and the light shield prevents stray light. This multi-functional integration at the distal end reduces overall device complexity
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 enhances illumination, prevents light leakage, reduces energy consumption, and simplifies the manufacturing process while lowering costs.
Implementation Method 1
A plurality of conducting tracks are at least partially embedded in the holder. One of the plurality of conducting tracks is electrically connected to one of the image sensing device and the light emitting component
Implementation Method 2
The lens set is assembled with the image sensing device and located beside the protruding body. An optical axis of the lens set is parallel to the first direction
Data Source
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AI summary
An endoscopic image capturing assembly (11",11‴ʺ,11‴‴,11‴‴′11‴‴ʺ) is provided and includes a holder(111",111‴‴,111‴‴′,111‴‴ʺ), an image sensing device(112",112‴‴′,112‴‴ʺ), a light emitting component(118",118‴‴′,118‴‴ʺ) and a conducting track(113",113‴ʺ,113‴‴,113‴‴′,113‴‴ʺ). The holder(111",111‴‴,111‴‴′,111‴‴ʺ) includes a first surface(1111",1111‴ʺ,1111‴‴,1111‴‴′,1111‴‴ʺ), a protruding end surface(1118A",1118A‴ʺ,1118A‴‴,1118A‴‴′,1118A‴‴ʺ), a first body(1113",1113‴‴′,1113‴‴ʺ) and a protruding body(1118",1118‴‴′,1118‴‴ʺ) connected to the first body(1113",1113‴‴′,1113‴‴ʺ) and protruding from the first surface(1111",1111‴ʺ,1111‴‴,1111‴‴′,1111‴‴ʺ). The first surface(1111",1111‴ʺ,1111‴‴,1111‴‴,1111‴‴ʺ) is formed on the first body(1113",1113‴‴′,1113‴‴ʺ). The protruding end surface(1118A",1118A‴ʺ,1118A‴‴,1118A‴‴′,1118A‴‴ʺ) is formed on an end portion of the protruding body(1118",1118‴‴′,1118‴‴ʺ) away from the first surface(1111",1111‴ʺ,1111‴‴,111‴‴′,1111‴‴ʺ). The image sensing device(112",112‴‴′,112‴‴ʺ) is mounted on the first surface(1111",1111‴ʺ,1111‴‴,1111‴‴′,1111‴‴ʺ). The light emitting component(118",118‴‴′,118‴‴ʺ) is mounted on the protruding end surface(1118A",1118A‴ʺ,1118A‴‴,1118A‴‴′,1118A‴‴ʺ). The conducting track(113",113‴ʺ,113‴‴,113‴‴′,113‴‴ʺ) is at least partially embedded in the holder(111",111‴‴,111‴‴′,111‴‴ʺ) and electrically connected to one of the image sensing device(112",112‴‴′,112‴‴ʺ) and the light emitting component(118",118‴‴′,118‴‴ʺ). Besides, an endoscopic device having the aforementioned endoscopic image capturing assembly(11",11‴ʺ,11‴‴,11‴‴′,11‴‴ʺ) is also provided.