Flexible Circuit Board for Multi-Viewing Endoscope Tip
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current endoscopes, such as colonoscopes, have limited fields of view and restricted access for surgical tools, and face challenges in efficiently packing necessary components within the tip section while maintaining functionality.
Innovation Solution
The endoscope system incorporates multiple cameras, a circuit board with processing elements, and a video controller to generate specific signals for each camera, along with a manifold for fluid channels and illuminators, enabling a broader field of view and enhanced tool access, while compactly packing components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a rigid circuit board is used to support multiple components, then component stability is improved, but device flexibility and compactness deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a flexible circuit board instead of a rigid one to support the optical assembly and illuminators. This flexible board can be folded or bent to accommodate compact packaging requirements while maintaining electrical connectivity and structural support for all components, thereby resolving the contradiction between component stability and device flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent arranges the optical assembly and two illuminators in a nested configuration where components are positioned on opposite sides and integrated within a compact space. The flexible circuit board enables this nested layout by allowing components to be folded or bent into close proximity, achieving compactness without sacrificing component stability.
2Device complexity
If multiple components are integrated on a single circuit board, then device compactness is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible circuit board serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural support for the optical assembly, carries electrical connections for the illuminators and camera, and enables compact folding configuration. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate mounting structures and simplifies the overall manufacturing process despite integrating multiple components.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible circuit board's inherent flexibility allows it to be manufactured in a folded or bent state, enabling compact device configuration without requiring complex assembly steps. The board can be pre-formed or easily folded during manufacturing, reducing the complexity associated with integrating multiple components on a single board.
3Use of energy by moving object
If illuminators are positioned close to the optical assembly, then illumination efficiency is improved, but heat generation near sensitive components increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions the two illuminators on opposite sides of the optical assembly in an asymmetric arrangement. This asymmetric placement allows each illuminator to be close to the optical assembly for efficient illumination while distributing the heat generation sources to different locations, preventing concentrated heat buildup near any single sensitive component.
Solution Approach 2:
The illumination system is segmented into two separate illuminators positioned at different locations relative to the optical assembly. This segmentation distributes the heat generation across multiple spatial locations rather than concentrating it in one area, allowing each illuminator to operate efficiently while minimizing thermal interference with sensitive components.
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 1C~1F
AI summary
An electronic assembly for a medical device, wherein the electronic assembly comprises: a first optical assembly; a first illuminator; a second illuminator; and a first circuit board configured to carry the first optical assembly, the first illuminator, and the second illuminator, wherein the first circuit board is flexible so as to allow the first circuit board to be folded from an unfolded configuration to a folded configuration, and wherein the first circuit board includes: a distal portion including a front face, wherein the front face is planar and faces a distal direction, and wherein the front face is configured to support the first optical assembly and configured to carry the first illuminator and the second illuminator; a proximal portion, wherein the proximal portion comprises a first side panel and a second side panel configured to fold upward toward a longitudinal axis of the first circuit board; and an intermediate portion connecting the distal portion to the proximal portion; wherein the first illuminator is positioned on an opposite side of the optical assembly from the second illuminator.