Insertion Device Millimeter Wave Signal Transmission
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional endoscope systems face limitations in transfer rate and distal end diameter due to lead wire connections, which restrict the length and efficiency of image signal transmission.
Innovation Solution
The use of millimeter waves or submillimeter waves transmitted through a flexible waveguide, allowing for increased transfer rate and reduced distal end diameter by eliminating the need for a joint between the imaging unit and waveguide, with the waveguide inserted into a flexible tube for flexibility and stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If lead wire connection is used to transfer image signal, then connection reliability is improved, but transfer rate is limited to about 2.5 Gbps and distal end diameter cannot be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical lead wire connection system with an electromagnetic wave transmission system. The imaging unit transmits image signals as electromagnetic waves (millimeter waves or submillimeter waves) through the insertion portion to the control device, eliminating the physical lead wire connection. This substitution enables higher transfer rates while reducing the distal end diameter, as electromagnetic waves can carry more data faster without the physical constraints of wire connections.
2Stability of the object's composition
If lead wire connection is used, then signal transmission stability is improved, but distal end diameter is increased due to connection portion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the mechanical lead wire connection at the distal end by using electromagnetic wave transmission. The imaging unit transmits signals wirelessly through the insertion portion, removing the need for a bulky connection portion at the distal end. This reduces the distal end diameter while maintaining signal transmission stability through the use of waveguides and proper electromagnetic shielding.
3Productivity
If millimeter wave or submillimeter wave transmission is used, then transfer rate is improved, but wave propagation control becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a waveguide as an intermediary structure to control and guide the millimeter wave or submillimeter wave transmission. The waveguide is arranged within the insertion portion to direct the electromagnetic waves from the imaging unit to the control device, managing wave propagation and reducing interference. This intermediary structure simplifies wave control despite the high frequency nature of the signals.
4Productivity
If waveguide is placed close to transmitter, then wave propagation efficiency is improved, but interference with transmitter operation may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by positioning the waveguide at a specific distance from the transmitter with its distal end facing the transmitter. This spatial arrangement optimizes wave coupling efficiency while maintaining sufficient separation to prevent interference with the transmitter's operation. The waveguide's position and orientation are carefully designed to achieve the best balance between propagation efficiency and interference avoidance.
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 solution overcomes the transfer rate limitations of conventional systems, minimizes the distal end diameter, and maintains usability and bendability of the insertion portion, enabling efficient image signal transmission and improved endoscope functionality.
Implementation Method 1
a transmitter that is arranged adjacent to a proximal end side of the imaging unit in the insertion portion and that transmits the image signal using millimeter waves or submillimeter waves
Implementation Method 2
a waveguide that is arranged on a proximal end side of the transmitter in the insertion portion with a distal end surface of the waveguide facing the transmitter and that propagates the millimeter waves or submillimeter waves
Data Source
AI summary
An insertion device includes: an insertion portion configured to be inserted into a subject; an imaging unit that includes an imaging element and an optical element and that is arranged at a distal end of the insertion portion, the imaging unit being configured to capture an internal image of the subject to generate an image signal; a transmitter that is arranged adjacent to a proximal end side of the imaging unit in the insertion portion, the transmitter being configured to transmit the image signal using millimeter waves or submillimeter waves; and a waveguide that is arranged on a proximal end side of the transmitter in the insertion portion and at a position distant from the transmitter with a distal end surface of the waveguide facing the transmitter, the waveguide being configured to propagate the millimeter waves or submillimeter waves.