Multi-Angle Endoscope Using Segmented Tube and Flexible PCBs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional endoscopes with small tube diameters face difficulties in assembling image capture and light-emitting modules, especially those providing two angles of view, due to increased structural complexity.
Innovation Solution
An endoscope apparatus with a tube body, first and second image capture modules, flexible printed circuit boards, and a switching module, allowing for multiple angles of view by using a notch, cover, connecting tube, and flexible PCBs to accommodate and switch image signals, enabling assembly and display of images from different angles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of stationary object
If conventional one-piece tube bodies are used for small tube diameter endoscopes, then the tube diameter can be reduced, but the assembly difficulty of image capture modules and light-emitting modules increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the tube body into multiple sections (first tube body section, second tube body section, connecting tube) that can be assembled separately. The image capture modules and light-emitting modules are installed in these segmented sections before final assembly, making the manufacturing process feasible for small tube diameters.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent nests multiple functional modules (image capture modules with image sensors, light-emitting modules with LEDs, flexible PCBs) within the tube body sections. The connecting tube with varying diameter accommodates the flexible PCBs that connect these nested modules, enabling compact integration.
2Adaptability or versatility
If two angles of view are implemented in endoscope apparatus, then the observation capability is improved, but the structural complexity and assembly difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements two separate image capture modules (first image capture module with first image sensor, second image capture module with second image sensor) in different tube body sections, each capturing images at different angles. This segmentation allows independent optimization of each module while achieving multi-angle observation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses identical or similar modules (image capture modules with lenses and image sensors, light-emitting modules with LEDs) for both angles of view, making the system multi-functional. The same type of components perform different functions (capturing different angles), simplifying the overall design and assembly process.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple image capture modules are integrated in small tube diameter endoscopes, then multi-angle imaging is achieved, but the assembly difficulty increases due to limited space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent places multiple image capture modules and light-emitting modules nested within different tube body sections. The connecting tube with varying diameter allows these nested modules to be connected via flexible PCBs, enabling multi-angle imaging while maintaining a compact overall structure that is feasible to assemble.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses flexible printed circuit boards (PCBs) to connect the image capture modules and light-emitting modules across different tube body sections. These flexible thin films allow electrical connections through the compact, nested arrangement of modules, making assembly feasible despite limited space.
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
The solution allows for convenient observation of objects with multiple angles of view and addresses the assembly challenges of small tube diameter endoscopes by effectively integrating and switching image signals from multiple components.
Implementation Method 1
The first light-emitting device emits light to irradiate an object... The second light-emitting device is provided for emitting light to irradiate the object
Implementation Method 2
The first lens collects a reflected light with a first viewing angle reflected by the object... The second lens is provided for collecting the other reflected light with a second viewing angle reflected by the object
Implementation Method 3
The first image sensor is disposed facing the first lens and adjacent to the first light-emitting device for receiving the reflected light and providing a first image signal according to the reflected light... The second image sensor is disposed facing the second lens and adjacent to the second light-emitting device for receiving the other reflected light and providing a second image signal according to the other reflected light
Data Source
AI summary
An endoscope apparatus is disclosed, which includes a tube body, a cover, a first image capture module, a second image capture module and a connecting tube. The first image capture module captures an image with a first view, and the second image capture module captures an image with a second view. A first flexible printed circuit board (PCB) is disposed inside the tube body, and a second flexible PCB is disposed inside the connecting tube. The connecting tube is connected with the tube body via the connecting between the first flexible PCB and the second flexible PCB, so as to transmit the images captured by the first image capture module or the second image capture module.