Magnetic Lens Barrel Positioning for Low-Heat Endoscope Optics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional image pickup apparatuses in endoscopes face issues with heat generation, power consumption, and mechanical durability due to the use of electric actuators for lens movement, which affect image quality and component lifespan.
Innovation Solution
An optical unit with a nonmagnetic moving barrel and a magnetic attraction system using a fixed barrel, coil, and permanent magnets to control lens movement, minimizing actuator energization and reducing heat and power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If an electric actuator is used to move the lens unit, then the lens can be positioned accurately for focus and zoom functions, but heat is generated and power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the conventional electric motor actuator with a magnetic field-based actuation system. A coil generates a magnetic field that interacts with a permanent magnet attached to the moving barrel, enabling lens movement without the heat-generating mechanical components of traditional motors. This substitution eliminates the source of heat generation while maintaining positioning capability through magnetic force control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state and interaction mechanism from electromagnetic motor rotation to direct magnetic field attraction/repulsion. By utilizing the magnetic field strength parameter and its interaction with the permanent magnet, the system achieves lens positioning through a different physical parameter regime that does not generate significant heat, thereby resolving the contradiction between positioning precision and heat generation.
2Measurement precision
If an electric actuator is used to move the lens unit, then the lens can be positioned accurately for focus and zoom functions, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the conventional electric motor actuator with a magnetic field-based actuation system. A coil generates a magnetic field that interacts with a permanent magnet attached to the moving barrel, enabling lens movement without the heat-generating mechanical components of traditional motors. This substitution eliminates the source of heat generation while maintaining positioning capability through magnetic force control.
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic actuation system operates by applying magnetic field pulses only when lens position adjustment is needed, rather than continuous operation. The coil is energized temporarily to move the lens to the desired position, then de-energized to hold the position using the permanent magnet's residual field, creating a periodic rather than continuous energy consumption pattern that reduces overall power usage.
3Temperature
If a magnetic actuator is used to move the lens unit, then heat generation and power consumption are reduced, but the moving barrel must be formed of nonmagnetic body which complicates the structure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the conventional electric motor actuator with a magnetic field-based actuation system. A coil generates a magnetic field that interacts with a permanent magnet attached to the moving barrel, enabling lens movement without the heat-generating mechanical components of traditional motors. This substitution eliminates the source of heat generation while maintaining positioning capability through magnetic force control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the actuation system into distinct functional components: a fixed barrel with coil, a moving barrel with permanent magnet, and separate magnetic field interaction zone. This segmentation allows the nonmagnetic moving barrel to be designed independently for its optical housing function, while the magnetic actuation components are positioned in separate locations (coil in fixed barrel, magnet on moving barrel), simplifying the overall structural design despite the nonmagnetic material requirement.
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
Reduces heat generation, power consumption, and mechanical stress on components, enhancing durability and maintaining image quality by optimizing lens positioning without continuous actuator energization.
Implementation Method 1
a coil configured to attract the moving barrel in a second direction opposite to the first direction along the optical axis to hold the moving barrel at the second position, by a magnetic field generated by being energized
Implementation Method 2
a first magnet provided at the fixed barrel, and configured to attract the moving barrel in a first direction along the optical axis to hold the moving barrel at the first position
Data Source
AI summary
An optical unit includes a fixed barrel configured to accommodate a moving barrel configured to hold an optical element configured to form an object image and formed of a nonmagnetic body to be able to advance and retract between a first position and a second position in a direction along an optical axis, a first magnet provided at the fixed barrel and configured to attract the moving barrel in a first direction along the optical axis to hold the moving barrel at the first position, a coil configured to attract the moving barrel in a second direction opposite to the first direction along the optical axis to hold the moving barrel at the second position by a magnetic field generated by being energized, and a second magnet provided at the moving barrel and configured to be attracted by the first magnet and the magnetic field of the coil.