Folding Endoscope Threaded Segmentation and Spring Focusing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing barrel endoscopes are long and inconvenient to store and carry, suffer from blurriness when focusing on objects near the camera's focal point, and are difficult to control and focus.
Innovation Solution
A folding endoscope design featuring a detachable head and tail connecting pipe structure with a threaded connection, a camera assembly with a rotating ring and spiral spring for focusing, and a clamping sleeve for easy extension and storage, facilitating the extension of the head connecting pipe into a bore for observation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If the endoscope is made long to reach deep bores, then the observation capability is improved, but the portability and storage convenience deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The endoscope is divided into two separable parts: a head connecting pipe containing the camera assembly and a tail connecting pipe with aviation plug. These segments can be detached through threaded connection, allowing the endoscope to be folded into a compact configuration for storage while maintaining full length capability during use.
Solution Approach 2:
The endoscope transitions from a static rigid structure to a dynamic foldable configuration. The detachable threaded connection enables the endoscope to change its physical state between extended (for observation) and folded (for storage) forms, adapting to different operational requirements.
2Device complexity
If the endoscope uses a fixed focus mechanism, then the structure is simple, but the focusing capability on objects at different distances deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The focus mechanism transitions from a fixed static structure to a dynamic adjustable system. The rotating ring can rotate to drive the spiral spring, which in turn moves the image sensor along the guide pipe to achieve focusing on objects at different distances, providing both simplicity and adjustability.
Solution Approach 2:
The spiral spring provides a self-adjusting focus mechanism that automatically returns to its initial position after being compressed or extended. This elastic recovery enables the image sensor to self-focus without requiring complex external control systems.
3Ease of operation
If the endoscope is made detachable for folding, then the portability is improved, but the connection reliability and signal transmission stability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The endoscope is segmented into detachable head and tail connecting pipes with standardized threaded connections. This segmentation enables folding and portability while maintaining reliable electrical connections through proper connector design and positioning of the connecting line.
Solution Approach 2:
The connecting line acts as an intermediary element that bridges the head and tail connecting pipes electrically. It is positioned to pass through the middle part of the structure, ensuring stable signal transmission while allowing the detachable connection for folding purposes.
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 convenient storage and carrying, improved focusing capabilities through the threaded connection and spiral spring mechanism, and easy extension into the bore for effective observation.
Implementation Method 1
a rotating ring (25) rotatably clamped at the other end of the guide pipe (24); a camera lens (26) mounted in an inner cavity of the rotating ring (25); an image sensor (23) slidingly clamped in the guide pipe (24); the bottom of the rotating ring (25) is fixedly connected to a spiral spring (22)
Implementation Method 2
one end of the head connecting pipe (1) is detachably connected to one end of the tail connecting pipe (3) through a threaded structure
Implementation Method 3
the bottom of the rotating ring (25) is fixedly connected to a spiral spring (22); the spiral spring (22) is sleeved in the image sensor (23) in a threaded manner
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a folding endoscope, including a head connecting pipe and a tail connecting pipe that is detachably connected through a threaded structure, wherein a connecting line is sleeved between inner cavities of the head connecting pipe and the tail connecting pipe; a camera assembly is mounted at one end, away from the tail connecting pipe, of the head connecting pipe; one end of the connecting line is electrically connected to the camera assembly; an aviation plug is fixedly mounted at one end, away from the head connecting pipe, of the tail connecting pipe; the aviation plug is electrically connected to the connecting line; and a clamping sleeve is slidingly clamped on the head connecting pipe.