Endoscopic Camera Filter Switching with Non-Circular Groove Layout
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing filter switching devices for endoscopic camera heads are limited by the number of filters they can accommodate, require significant space, and are prone to operator errors in filter selection, leading to suboptimal imaging modes.
Innovation Solution
A compact filter switching device with a non-circular trajectory groove and rotating element allows for the simultaneous movement of three or more optical filters within a single plane, enabling self-actuated filter switching and reducing the risk of operator errors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a rigid filter switching device with pivotable carriers is used, then filters can be positioned into and out of the beam path, but the number of carriers is limited due to space constraints within the housing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a two-dimensional pivotable carrier system to a three-dimensional rotatable filter wheel system. Filters are arranged radially around a central optical axis in the filter wheel, allowing multiple filters to be positioned in different angular positions around the same spatial footprint, effectively utilizing the third dimension (radial arrangement) to increase filter capacity without increasing housing area.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple filter holders into a single integrated rotatable filter wheel structure. Instead of having separate pivotable carriers for each filter, all filters are mounted on a common rotating element that can be turned to bring any filter into the optical path, merging multiple positioning mechanisms into one unified system.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a rotatable filter wheel with filters at the outer circumference is used, then multiple filters can be accommodated, but a large lateral installation space is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs an asymmetric filter wheel design where filters are not uniformly distributed around the entire circumference. Instead, filters are positioned at specific angular intervals optimized for the optical path requirements, with the wheel's rotation axis aligned with the optical axis. This asymmetric arrangement allows the filter wheel to have a compact lateral footprint while still providing access to multiple filters through rotation.
3Ease of operation
If manual filter switching is used, then filter positioning is simple, but operator errors may occur resulting in incorrect filter selection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a detection unit that automatically detects which filter is currently positioned in the optical path and provides feedback to a control unit. The control unit can then verify whether the detected filter matches the required filter for the current imaging mode, alerting the operator or automatically correcting any mismatches, thereby eliminating operator errors in filter selection.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-verification of filter selection through the detection and control units. Instead of relying entirely on manual operator input, the system automatically monitors the filter position and ensures correctness, making the filter switching process self-correcting and reducing dependence on human accuracy.
4Device complexity
If only two optical filters are integrated in the endoscope head, then the device structure is simple, but imaging versatility is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The rotatable filter wheel serves multiple functions: it holds multiple different filters for various imaging modes, acts as a positioning mechanism to bring the required filter into the optical path, and can be integrated with detection systems for automatic filter management. This single multi-functional component replaces what would otherwise require multiple separate filter holders and positioning mechanisms.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention concerns a filter switching device for an endoscopic camera head with at least three optical filters comprising an outer surface, with an optical path and a rotating element, wherein, by means of the rotating element, each optical filter is movable into and out of the optical path, wherein the filter switching device comprises a groove with a non-circular trajectory, so that the at least three optical filters are moveable by means of the non-circular trajectory of the groove and the rotating element. Furthermore, the invention concerns a camera head and a retrofit kit for retrofitting a camera head and/or an endoscope.