Multi-Component Cover for Multi-Camera Endoscope Tip
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing endoscopes face challenges with a limited field of view, complex packing and assembling of components, and difficult sealing of the tip section, which can lead to damage of delicate electronic components and ineffective fluid management.
Innovation Solution
A multi-component cover system for the tip section of a multi-camera endoscope, comprising separate components for the front and side parts, with optical windows and fluid channels, designed to abut and seal the tip section without damaging the internal components, allowing for efficient assembly and sealing while providing a broader field of view.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single integrated cover is used for the tip section, then the sealing structure is simpler, but it is difficult to seal delicate electronic components without damage and the assembly process becomes complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The cover is divided into multiple separate components: a first cover component for sealing the front camera, a second cover component for sealing the side cameras, and a third cover component for sealing the illuminators. This segmentation allows each component to be designed and assembled independently, simplifying the overall assembly process while maintaining effective sealing of all electronic components.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple cameras and illuminators are packed in the tip section, then the field of view is improved, but the packing becomes complicated and sealing becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The tip section is segmented into multiple sealing zones using separate cover components. Each cover component encloses specific elements (front camera, side cameras, illuminators) in distinct compartments, allowing independent sealing and simplifying the packing arrangement of multiple cameras and illuminators while maintaining a compact design for improved field of view.
Solution Approach 2:
The cover components are designed to nest together, with each component fitting into or alongside the others to form a compact sealed structure. This nesting arrangement allows multiple cameras and illuminators to be efficiently packed within the limited tip section space while maintaining effective sealing.
3Ease of manufacture
If a single cover component is used, then the assembly process is simpler, but delicate electronic components may be damaged during assembly
Solution Approach 1:
The cover is segmented into multiple components that can be assembled separately and then joined. This allows delicate electronic components to be positioned and secured before the final cover assembly, reducing the risk of damage during the assembly process while maintaining manufacturing simplicity through modular construction.
Solution Approach 2:
Delicate electronic components are pre-positioned and secured within the tip section before the cover components are assembled. This preliminary action allows the cover components to be attached without risking damage to the electronics, while the modular design keeps the overall assembly process simple.
4Reliability
If the tip section is sealed tightly, then fluid management is improved, but assembly of internal components becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing structure is segmented into multiple cover components that can be assembled in a sequential manner. Each component creates a localized seal around specific elements, allowing internal components to be assembled in place while achieving effective fluid management through the combined sealing action of all components.
Data Source
AI summary
There is provided herein a tip section of a multi-camera endoscope, the tip section comprising: a front looking camera and a front discrete illuminator to essentially illuminate the Field Of View (FOV) of said front looking camera; a right side looking camera and a right discrete illuminator to essentially illuminate the FOV of said right side looking camera; a left side looking camera and a left discrete illuminator to essentially illuminate the FOV of said left side looking camera; and a multi component cover configured to cover and seal said tip section such as to essentially prevent entry of fluids from the environment of said endoscope to inner parts of said tip section.