Direct Lens Mounting on Image Sensor for Endoscope Miniaturization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional endoscope imaging devices face challenges in minimizing diameter while maintaining structural integrity due to the use of metallic frames for lens groups, which can compromise the device's ability to be inserted into small body cavities effectively.
Innovation Solution
The imaging device features a lens group directly mounted on the surface of an image sensor, with a prism for light reflection, and uses spacers and diaphragm members to define lens positions, allowing for passive and active alignment to reduce size and enhance structural support.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a metallic frame member is used to hold the lens group, then structural integrity is maintained, but the diameter of the insertion portion increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the metallic frame member that traditionally holds the lens group, extracting the supporting function to a different location (the distal end portion housing). This eliminates the need for the frame member's diameter, directly resolving the contradiction between structural integrity and insertion portion size.
Solution Approach 2:
The lens group is directly mounted on the surface of the image sensor, merging the lens mounting function with the sensor housing structure. This integration eliminates intermediate supporting structures, reducing the overall diameter while maintaining the necessary structural support through the distal end portion.
2Length of moving object
If the lens group is directly mounted on the image sensor, then the diameter is reduced, but alignment precision becomes more difficult to maintain
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary alignment actions during the assembly process, where the lens group is positioned and aligned on the image sensor before final mounting. This preliminary positioning ensures precise alignment is achieved before the direct mounting is completed, resolving the contradiction between reduced diameter and maintained alignment precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical alignment systems (such as those requiring metallic frames with adjustment mechanisms) with a direct mounting approach that relies on precise manufacturing and assembly processes. This substitution reduces mechanical complexity and diameter while maintaining alignment through improved manufacturing precision rather than mechanical adjustment systems.
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 enables a smaller diameter and length of the imaging device, improving its ability to be inserted into body cavities while maintaining structural integrity and image quality.
Implementation Method 1
a prism configured to reflect the light collected by the lens group
Implementation Method 2
an image sensor having a light receiving unit configured to receive the light reflected by the prism and to perform photoelectric conversion on the received light to generate an electrical signal
Data Source
AI summary
An imaging device includes a lens group configured to collect incident light, a prism configured to reflect the light collected by the lens group, and an image sensor having a light receiving unit configured to receive the light reflected by the prism and to perform photoelectric conversion on the received light to generate an electrical signal. The prism is mounted on the light receiving unit, and the lens group is directly mounted on a surface of the image sensor.