Imaging Unit Coaxial Cable Rigid Portion Reduction
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional imaging units for endoscopes face challenges in reducing the length of the rigid portion, which limits the movable range during swinging operations due to the rigidity of coaxial cable wiring substrates and the need for separation distance between internal and external conductor pads.
Innovation Solution
The imaging unit employs a coaxial cable configuration with an internal conductor and external conductor aggregate-wire portion, where the external conductor wires are aggregated and twisted, directly soldered to electrode pads on the imaging device, eliminating the need for a coaxial cable wiring substrate and reducing the rigid portion length.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a coaxial cable wiring substrate is used to electrically connect the coaxial cable to the imaging device, then electrical connectivity is ensured, but the rigid portion length increases and flexibility is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the coaxial cable wiring substrate from the system. Instead of using a separate substrate to connect the coaxial cable to the imaging device, the patent directly connects the internal conductor and external conductor of the coaxial cable to the electrode pads on the imaging device rear surface, thereby removing the source of rigidity while maintaining electrical connectivity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the connection function previously performed by the separate wiring substrate into the coaxial cable structure itself. The internal conductor and external conductor are directly soldered to the electrode pads, combining the cable and connection functions into a single integrated structure that reduces overall rigid portion length
2Stability of the object's composition
If a rigid coaxial cable wiring substrate is used, then structural stability is provided, but the movable range during swinging operations is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the rigid wiring substrate with a flexible coaxial cable structure. The cable can bend and flex to accommodate swinging operations while maintaining electrical connectivity, providing both structural stability for signal transmission and flexibility for movement in narrow conduits
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a static rigid substrate to a dynamic flexible cable system that can adapt its shape during operation. The coaxial cable can dynamically change its configuration to allow swinging movements while maintaining electrical connections throughout the range of motion
3Reliability
If separation distance between internal conductor pad and external conductor pad is maintained on the wiring substrate, then short-circuiting is prevented, but the rigid portion length increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the spatial arrangement from a planar substrate layout to a three-dimensional cable configuration. The internal conductor and external conductor are separated along the length of the cable and twisted together, providing electrical isolation in the longitudinal dimension while allowing compact connection at the imaging device interface
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses asymmetric twisting of the internal conductor and external conductor within the coaxial cable structure. This asymmetric arrangement provides natural electrical isolation between the conductors while maintaining compact dimensions, eliminating the need for additional separation distance that would increase rigid portion length
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 configuration allows for a stable and increased movable range of the imaging device during swinging operations while maintaining electrical connectivity, reducing the risk of short-circuiting and minimizing the cross-sectional dimension, thereby facilitating easier insertion into narrow conduits.
Implementation Method 1
an inner insulating layer coating a surrounding circumference of the internal conductor 41, an external conductor 42 provided to surround the inner insulating layer 43 and an outer insulating layer 44 coating the external conductor 42
Implementation Method 2
soldered portions in which respective distal end portions of an internal conductor and an external conductor of a coaxial cable are soldered to electrode pads of the coaxial cable wiring substrate
Data Source
AI summary
An imaging unit includes: a solid-state imager including an imaging surface disposed on a front surface of the solid-state imager and electrode pads disposed separately from each other on a rear surface of the solid-state imager that is opposite to the front surface; and a coaxial cable electrically connected to the electrode pads on the rear surface of the solid-state imager. The coaxial cable includes: an inner coated wire including an internal conductor that includes a plurality of element wires and an inner insulating layer that coats a surrounding circumference of the internal conductor; an external conductor including a plurality of element wires that surround the inner coated wire; and an outer insulating layer that coats the external conductor.