Lateral Camera Movement in Endoscope Tubular Enclosure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional endoscopes face a trade-off between diameter and performance, where reducing the diameter to minimize patient trauma compromises structural integrity and image quality, and existing solutions are costly and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
An endoscope design featuring a camera that can move laterally within a tubular enclosure, maintaining unobstructed viewing while transitioning between positions, allowing for a smaller diameter without compromising performance, utilizing mechanisms like lateral spring forces and living hinges for movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If the endoscope diameter is reduced to minimize patient trauma, then patient comfort improves, but structural integrity and performance deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The endoscope employs nested components where the camera is positioned within the tubular enclosure, and various functional components are arranged concentrically along the longitudinal axis. This nesting allows multiple functional elements to occupy minimal radial space while maintaining their individual functionalities, enabling a smaller overall diameter without compromising structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The camera is configured to move laterally from a first position on the central longitudinal axis to a second position offset from the axis. This lateral movement in a different dimension (radial direction) allows the camera to access optimal viewing positions without increasing the longitudinal length or compromising the tubular structure's strength.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the endoscope diameter is reduced, then patient trauma decreases, but image quality deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The camera is movably coupled to the tubular enclosure, allowing it to transition between a first position on the central longitudinal axis and a second position offset from the axis. This dynamic positioning enables the camera to optimize its field of view and image quality without requiring a larger endoscope diameter, as the camera can laterally relocate to capture images from optimal angles.
Solution Approach 2:
The camera and optical components are nested within the tubular enclosure in a space-efficient arrangement. This nesting allows high-quality optical elements to be positioned close to the distal end without increasing the overall diameter, maintaining image quality while minimizing patient trauma.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the endoscope diameter is reduced, then patient trauma decreases, but illumination brightness deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Illumination fibers are arranged in a circumferential pattern around the central longitudinal axis, utilizing the radial dimension efficiently. This arrangement allows multiple illumination sources to be packed into the limited radial space without blocking the camera's lateral movement or compromising brightness, as light is delivered from multiple angular positions.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If the endoscope diameter is reduced, then patient trauma decreases, but fluid flow rate deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The tubular enclosure is segmented into multiple functional channels, including separate channels for fluid flow, instrument passage, and camera movement. This segmentation allows each channel to be optimized for its specific function, with fluid channels positioned to maximize flow rate while minimizing the overall endoscope diameter.
5Adaptability or versatility
If the camera is moved laterally within the tubular enclosure, then viewing perspective improves, but risk of obstruction increases
Solution Approach 1:
The camera is movably coupled to the tubular enclosure, allowing it to dynamically transition between a first position on the central longitudinal axis and a second position offset from the axis. This dynamic capability enables the camera to laterally relocate to capture images from optimal angles and perspectives without being permanently fixed in a position that might cause obstruction, maintaining reliable unobstructed viewing throughout the procedure.
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 a smaller diameter endoscope that maintains image quality and functionality, reducing patient trauma while avoiding the cost and performance limitations of previous designs.
Implementation Method 1
utilizing mechanisms like lateral spring forces and living hinges for movement
Implementation Method 2
utilizing mechanisms like lateral spring forces and living hinges for movement
Data Source
AI summary
An endoscope having a camera and a tubular enclosure. A distal end of the camera may be movable from a first position in line with a longitudinal axis of the tubular enclosure to a second position lateral of the longitudinal axis of the tubular enclosure. Some embodiments are configured such that no portion of the endoscope obstructs a view from the distal end of the camera as the distal end of the camera is moved from the first position to the second position.