Imaging Module Identification Resin for Endoscope Orientation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The miniaturization of imaging elements in endoscopes makes it difficult to visually distinguish the top and bottom, leading to potential incorrect orientation during assembly, which affects manufacturing efficiency and image data consistency.
Innovation Solution
An imaging module design that includes an identification resin attached to the sealing resin on the substrate, allowing easy visual recognition of the top and bottom, with the identification resin being ultraviolet curable and having a specific area to prevent wrapping around the substrate edges, and a coaxial cable configuration for electrical connectivity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the imaging element size is reduced, then the imaging module can be miniaturized, but it becomes difficult to visually distinguish the top and bottom of the imaging element
Solution Approach 1:
An identification resin with a specific shape (different from the imaging element's shape) is attached to the sealing resin. This creates an asymmetric visual marker that is easily distinguishable from the symmetric imaging element, allowing operators to quickly identify the top and bottom orientations without needing to examine the miniaturized imaging element's features closely.
Solution Approach 2:
The identification resin is made of a material with a different color or appearance from the sealing resin and imaging element. This color contrast provides immediate visual differentiation, enabling easy identification of orientation even when the imaging element itself is too small to provide visual cues.
2Device complexity
If no identification marker is provided, then the device structure remains simple, but incorrect assembly may occur due to inability to distinguish top and bottom
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of making the entire imaging module complex, only a small local portion (the identification resin attached to the sealing resin) is modified. This localized addition provides the necessary orientation information without significantly increasing the overall device complexity or affecting other functional components.
3Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If the identification resin area is too large, then visual recognition is improved, but the resin may wrap around the substrate edges causing manufacturing issues
Solution Approach 1:
The identification resin is designed with a specific area (1.7 mm² or less) that is sufficient to provide clear visual recognition but controlled to prevent excessive spreading. This partial action approach ensures the resin is large enough to be seen easily but small enough to maintain precise positioning without wrapping around substrate edges during the curing process.
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
Facilitates correct orientation of the imaging element, enhancing manufacturing efficiency and preventing incorrect assembly, while ensuring reliable visual differentiation of the top and bottom.
Implementation Method 1
the identification resin may be an ultraviolet curable resin
Data Source
AI summary
An imaging module includes an imaging element including a light receiving surface, an electrode surface on a side opposite to the light receiving surface, and imaging element electrodes formed on the electrode surface, a substrate including a first surface, a second surface on a side opposite to the first surface, and a first end surface facing the electrode surface, a cable portion having a conductor electrically connected to the imaging element electrodes via a wire on the substrate, a sealing resin that covers at least the first surface and the second surface, and an identification resin attached to a portion of the sealing resin on the first surface or a portion of the sealing resin on the second surface.