Endoscopic Measuring Head with Adjustable Aperture Diaphragm

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Solution Overview

Problem

Endoscopic devices require different lenses for varying resolution and depth of field requirements, limiting their versatility in performing multiple measuring tasks effectively.

Innovation Solution

A measuring head with adjustable aperture optics, allowing for different numerical apertures through color filters or polarization filters, enabling the same lenses to be used for both low-resolution inspection and high-resolution measurement functions by adjusting the aperture based on wavelength or polarization, thereby accommodating various measuring tasks without the need for multiple lenses.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If different lenses are used for different resolution and depth of field requirements, then measurement precision and inspection quality are improved, but device complexity and the number of components increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement precisionVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

A single lens assembly is designed to perform multiple functions (both inspection and measurement) by dynamically adjusting the numerical aperture through a variable aperture diaphragm. The system can switch between different operational modes (overview inspection vs. high-resolution measurement) without requiring physical lens changes, making one optical component universal for multiple tasks.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The numerical aperture of the lens is made dynamically adjustable through a variable aperture diaphragm that can be controlled during operation. This allows the system to adapt its depth of field and resolution characteristics in real-time, transitioning between inspection and measurement modes as needed, rather than being fixed to a single aperture setting.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple lenses are used for different measurement tasks, then adaptability to various measuring tasks is improved, but ease of operation and time efficiency deteriorate due to lens switching requirements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to measuring tasksVSAvoidease of operation
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The lens assembly is designed as a universal optical component that can handle both inspection and measurement tasks through aperture control. The system provides adaptability to different measuring tasks by adjusting the numerical aperture rather than requiring physical lens changes, simplifying operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The dynamic aperture adjustment mechanism allows operators to switch between inspection and measurement modes simply by controlling the aperture diaphragm, eliminating the need for manual lens switching. This makes the system both versatile and easy to operate, as all task transitions are achieved through a single control mechanism.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Device complexity

If a fixed aperture lens is used, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability to different measurement tasks and resolution requirements is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice complexityVSAvoidadaptability to measurement tasks
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The aperture diaphragm is designed to be variable and controllable, allowing the numerical aperture to be adjusted dynamically during operation. This adds minimal complexity compared to a fixed aperture while providing significant adaptability benefits, enabling the same lens to perform both inspection and measurement functions effectively.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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

Enables flexible use of the measuring head for different tasks, providing a larger image field with greater depth of focus for inspection and high-resolution measurements with smaller depth of field, enhancing the efficiency of technical and medical endoscopic applications.

Implementation Method 1

the color filter has at least two concentric zones with different transmittance spectra for light

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectWavelength-selective transmission: Filter (optical)

Implementation Method 2

the polarizing filter can, for example, have at least two concentric zones with different polarization directions

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPolarization: Polarisation

Implementation Method 3

a projection optic for illuminating an object to be examined with light

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight propagation: Light

Implementation Method 4

a measuring optic for detecting the light reflected or scattered by the object to be examined

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight detection: Photoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentEP3056934B1Measuring head of an endoscopic device and method of inspecting and measuring an object
Publication Date: 2020.11.04 ROLLS ROYCE DEUT LTD & CO KG
  • EP3056934B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2B
  • EP3056934B1 patent drawingFigure 3~5
  • EP3056934B1 patent drawingFigure 6~7

AI summary

The invention relates to a measuring head (1) of an endoscopic device. The measuring head (1) comprises a projection optic (20-25) designed and configured to illuminate an object (3) to be examined with light, and a measuring optic (4) designed and configured to detect light reflected and scattered by the object (3) to be examined. The measuring optic (4) is provided to have an aperture diaphragm (5) whose aperture is adjustable.