Endoscopic Camera Head Filter Switching With Non-Circular Groove
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing filter switching devices for endoscopic camera heads are limited by the number of optical filters they can accommodate, require significant space, and are prone to operator errors in filter selection, leading to suboptimal fluorescence imaging modes.
Innovation Solution
A filter switching device with a rotating element and a non-circular groove trajectory allows for the movement of at least three optical filters within a compact design, enabling multiple fluorescence imaging modes and self-actuating filter movements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a rotating filter wheel with filters arranged at the outer circumference is used, then multiple optical filters can be accommodated, but the device requires a particularly large lateral installation space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a two-dimensional circular arrangement of filters at the outer circumference to a three-dimensional configuration where filters are stacked vertically on carriers that pivot within the housing. This vertical stacking enables multiple filters to be accommodated in a compact lateral footprint by utilizing the third dimension (height), thereby resolving the contradiction between filter quantity and lateral space requirement
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple filter carriers are nested within the housing volume, with each carrier holding filters in a stacked arrangement. The carriers pivot within the confined housing space, allowing filters to be positioned in and out of the optical path without requiring large lateral clearance. This nesting approach packs multiple filters into a compact volume, reducing the lateral installation footprint while maintaining filter versatility
2Adaptability or versatility
If the pivot axis of each carrier is arranged closer to the inside wall of the housing, then the number of carriers is limited, but the available space for filter arrangement is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of arranging carriers radially with pivot axes close to the housing wall (which limits the number of carriers), the patent stacks filters vertically on each carrier and arranges multiple carriers along the optical axis. This vertical arrangement in the third dimension increases the number of carriers and filters that can be accommodated without compromising the volume available for filter arrangement on each carrier
3Device complexity
If only two optical filters are integrated in the endoscope head, then the device structure is simplified, but the number of fluorescence imaging modes is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a filter switching device that can accommodate multiple optical filters (at least three) within the endoscope head, enabling the system to perform multiple fluorescence imaging modes with different fluorophores. Each filter carrier can hold filters for different spectral ranges, allowing the single device to serve multiple imaging functions by switching between filters, thereby increasing versatility without proportionally increasing structural complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamically pivotable filter carriers that can switch between different filter positions (in and out of the optical path) as needed. This dynamic switching capability allows the system to adapt to different imaging requirements by selecting appropriate filters, enabling multiple fluorescence imaging modes while maintaining a relatively compact and manageable device structure
4Device complexity
If manual filter switching is used, then the device structure is simple, but operator errors in filter selection occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a detection unit that provides feedback to verify whether the correct filter is positioned in the optical path for the desired imaging mode. This feedback mechanism detects the actual filter position and can alert the operator or automatically adjust the filter selection, thereby preventing operator errors and ensuring reliable filter selection without requiring a completely complex automated switching system
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5
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.