Flexible Wiring Substrate Stabilization for Endoscope Imaging Modules
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional imaging modules for electronic endoscopes face challenges in stabilizing the solid-state image sensing device relative to the optical axis of the field lens unit, leading to instability and increased size due to the need for complex assembly and large soldered components.
Innovation Solution
The imaging module features a flexible wiring substrate with extended portions that bend towards each other, allowing for precise adjustment and stabilization of the solid-state image sensing device, eliminating the need for additional stabilizing members and enabling downsizing by reducing the diameter of the electrical cable and endoscope.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If the FPC is folded to mount the imaging device, then the imaging device can be positioned, but the configuration near the device-mounted portion becomes unstable
Solution Approach 1:
A support member is introduced as an intermediary component between the FPC and the imaging device. This support member provides additional structural reinforcement to the device-mounted portion, stabilizing the configuration while maintaining the positioning accuracy achieved through FPC folding.
Solution Approach 2:
The device-mounted portion is constructed using a composite structure combining the FPC material with the support member material. This composite construction enhances the mechanical strength and stability of the device-mounted portion while preserving the flexibility and positioning capabilities of the original FPC structure.
2Stability of the object's composition
If a block is adhesively-fixed to the inside of a U-shaped bent FPC, then the shape stability is maintained, but assembly becomes complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The support member is extracted as a separate, pre-formed component rather than being integrated into the FPC manufacturing process. This allows the FPC to be folded and shaped independently, then the support member is simply attached to provide stabilization, significantly simplifying the assembly process while maintaining shape stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The support member is prepared in advance as a ready-to-attach component with predetermined geometry and attachment features. This preliminary preparation enables quick and easy attachment to the folded FPC, reducing assembly complexity while ensuring proper positioning and stabilization.
3Reliability
If conductors are soldered on portions disposed at both sides via the block, then electrical connections are established, but the size cannot be easily reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical connection structure is reorganized from a distributed two-sided soldering arrangement to a more compact configuration where conductors are routed through the support member structure. This dimensional reorganization allows for more efficient space utilization, reducing the overall diameter of the imaging unit while maintaining reliable electrical connections.
Solution Approach 2:
The support member is designed to serve multiple functions: providing structural stabilization to the device-mounted portion, maintaining the shape of the FPC configuration, and facilitating electrical connections between conductors. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate components, thereby reducing the overall size of the imaging unit while ensuring reliable electrical connectivity.
Data Source
AI summary
An imaging module of the invention includes: an electrical cable; a solid-state image sensing device; and a flexible wiring substrate including: a device-mounted portion onto which the solid-state image sensing device is mounted; two extended portions which bend at both sides of the device-mounted portion and extend from the device-mounted portion so as to come close to each other with increasing distance from the device-mounted portion; two connection end portions extending from the two extended portions along the direction of the axis of the front end of the electrical cable on an opposite side of the device-mounted portion; and terminals which are provided on the two connection end portions and connected to the electrical cable, the flexible wiring substrate electrically connecting the solid-state image sensing device and the electrical cable.