Modular Camera Endoscope Tip for Multi-Angle Viewing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current endoscopes, such as colonoscopes, have limited fields of view and restricted access for surgical tools, hindering efficient medical procedures and packing of necessary elements within the tip section while maintaining functionality.
Innovation Solution
A modular camera unit system with multiple optical elements and fluid channels integrated into the endoscope tip, featuring a manifold for fluid distribution and a printed circuit board assembly for data processing, allowing for broader views and enhanced tool access by positioning optical elements and sensors in a modular, data-communicative configuration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple imaging units are integrated into the endoscope tip, then the field of view and surgical tool access are improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The endoscope tip is divided into multiple independent imaging units, each with its own optical element and sensor. These modular units can be independently positioned and configured to provide different viewing angles and access paths for surgical tools, thereby improving versatility while managing complexity through standardized modular components
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple optical elements are positioned at different spatial locations and orientations within the tip section, creating a three-dimensional array of imaging units. This dimensional arrangement allows simultaneous multi-directional viewing and tool access without requiring a single complex omnidirectional mechanism
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple imaging units and fluid channels are packed into the tip section, then the functionality is enhanced, but the manufacturing precision and assembly difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The tip section is segmented into modular imaging units and fluid channel assemblies that can be manufactured separately with standard tolerances and then assembled together. This segmentation reduces the manufacturing precision requirements for individual components while achieving complex functionality through integration
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple imaging units and fluid channels are nested within the compact tip section, with each component positioned in a hierarchical arrangement. Smaller optical elements and sensors are nested within the housing structure, and fluid channels are routed through dedicated pathways, allowing high functionality density without requiring extreme manufacturing precision
3Area of stationary object
If optical elements and sensors are positioned in a modular configuration, then the field of view is broadened, but the data communication and signal transmission complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
A universal data bus and power distribution network is implemented across all modular imaging units, allowing standardized signal transmission pathways. Each imaging unit uses the same communication protocol and connector type, simplifying data collection from multiple sensors despite their distributed positions
Solution Approach 2:
A central processing unit or hub is introduced as an intermediary between the distributed imaging units and the main control system. This mediator consolidates data from multiple sensors, manages communication protocols, and reduces the overall system complexity by providing a single point of coordination
Data Source
AI summary
An optical assembly adapted to be positioned within an endoscope tip and having three modular camera units, comprising: a front modular camera unit defined by a front central axis and a first and second side modular camera units defined by first and second side central axes that are substantially parallel to one another and substantially perpendicular to the front central axis. Each modular camera unit further comprises a holder for housing an associated optical element and an image sensor in data communication with a corresponding printed circuit board. The front, first side and second side modular camera units are respectively positioned in first, second and third compartments of an assembly holder.