Folded Substrate Optical Transmission Module for Endoscopes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional medical endoscopes with high-pixel image sensors require a compact optical transmission module to minimize patient burden and maintain clear observations, but existing solutions struggle to reduce the size and length of the optical transmission module while ensuring high-speed signal transmission.
Innovation Solution
An optical transmission module design featuring a bendable substrate with perpendicular planes for mounting photoelectric conversion elements, optical fibers, and signal cables, which minimizes distortion and allows for efficient signal transmission by connecting the optical fiber perpendicular to the substrate planes and the signal cable in parallel with the optical axis, reducing the module's height and length.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If an image sensor with a large number of pixels is used for high-speed signal transmission, then signal transmission speed is improved, but the size of the optical transmission module increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a conventional planar substrate layout to a three-dimensional folded substrate configuration. The substrate is folded to form multiple planes (first plane, second plane, third plane) that are perpendicular to each other, allowing optical fibers and cables to be connected in different spatial dimensions. This dimensional change enables compact integration of high-speed transmission components without increasing the overall module footprint, thereby achieving high signal transmission speed while maintaining a compact module size suitable for medical endoscopes.
2Ease of operation
If the optical transmission module is reduced in size to minimize patient burden, then ease of operation is improved, but signal transmission capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The folded substrate configuration with perpendicular planes enables the optical transmission module to maintain a compact form factor for easy insertion while providing sufficient spatial arrangement for high-speed signal transmission components. The three-dimensional layout optimizes the positioning of photoelectric conversion elements, optical fibers, and cables, ensuring both compact size and high transmission capability are achieved simultaneously.
3Ease of manufacture
If a conventional planar substrate is used for mounting components, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but the module length and height increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of increasing the substrate area in a planar configuration, the patent folds the substrate to create a three-dimensional structure with perpendicular planes. This approach reduces the module's length and height by utilizing vertical space, while the substrate itself can still be manufactured using conventional processes before folding. The folding operation transforms a potentially large planar substrate into a compact three-dimensional configuration, reducing the module's external dimensions without compromising manufacturing feasibility.
4Ease of manufacture
If optical fibers and cables are connected in parallel arrangement, then connection simplicity is improved, but the module occupies more space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent connects optical fibers to the first plane and cables to the second plane, which is perpendicular to the first plane. This three-dimensional connection arrangement allows both optical fiber connections and cable connections to be made in a simplified manner while occupying less space than a conventional parallel arrangement on the same plane. The perpendicular configuration separates the connection paths spatially, reducing interference and minimizing the required module volume.
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
This design enables compact, high-speed signal transmission suitable for medical endoscopes and ultrasonic imaging systems, reducing the module's size and manufacturing complexity while maintaining effective data communication.
Implementation Method 1
a photoelectric conversion element configured to convert an electrical signal to an optical signal
Data Source
AI summary
An optical transmission module includes: a photoelectric conversion element that converts an electrical signal to an optical signal; a photoelectric conversion element-driving IC that drives the photoelectric conversion element; an optical fiber that transmits the optical signal; a guide holding member that holds the optical fiber; a cable that supplies power to at least one of the photoelectric conversion element and the photoelectric conversion element-driving IC; and a substrate on which the photoelectric conversion element and the photoelectric conversion element-driving IC are mounted. The substrate has first and second planes which are perpendicular to each other. The photoelectric conversion element is mounted on the first plane. The optical fiber is connected to a back side of the first plane. An optical axis of the optical fiber is perpendicular to the first plane. The cable is connected to the second plane in parallel with the optical axis of the optical fiber.