Multi-viewing Endoscope Circuit Board Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current endoscopes have limited field of view and restricted access for surgical tools, making them inadequate for efficient medical procedures, particularly in colonoscopy, where a broader view and enhanced tool access are necessary while maintaining functionality.
Innovation Solution
A multi-viewing elements endoscope circuit board assembly featuring a base board with metal frames supporting sensors and illumination circuit boards, providing a wider field of view through multiple lenses and illuminators, and a manifold for fluid channels, allowing for efficient packing of components in the tip section.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple viewing elements and working channels are added to the tip section, then the field of view and surgical tool access are improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The tip section is divided into multiple independent viewing element modules, each with its own circuit board assembly. This segmentation allows each module to be manufactured and tested separately, then assembled into the final tip section, reducing overall manufacturing complexity while enabling multiple viewing angles and surgical access points
Solution Approach 2:
The patent arranges viewing elements and working channels in three-dimensional space within the tip section, utilizing vertical and radial dimensions rather than just linear arrangement. This spatial optimization allows multiple cameras and surgical tools to coexist in a compact configuration, improving versatility without proportionally increasing complexity
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple sensors and circuit boards are integrated in the tip section, then the functionality is enhanced, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
Each viewing element is mounted on its own dedicated circuit board with separate mounting holes and alignment features. This segmentation allows each circuit board to be manufactured and pre-assembled with its sensor independently, then attached to the tip section housing, reducing the cumulative precision requirements compared to a single integrated board
Solution Approach 2:
The tip section housing serves as an intermediary structure that provides mechanical support and alignment for multiple circuit boards. The housing includes predetermined locations with alignment features that guide the positioning of each circuit board, ensuring proper spatial relationships without requiring ultra-precise manufacturing of each individual component
3Ease of operation
If the tip section is compactly designed to fit all elements, then the accessibility for surgical tools is improved, but the ease of manufacture decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The tip section is designed as an assembly of separate components (housing, circuit boards, viewing elements, working channels) that can be manufactured using standard processes, then assembled together. This segmentation maintains ease of manufacture for individual parts while achieving compact integration in the final assembly that improves surgical tool accessibility
Solution Approach 2:
Circuit boards and electronic components are arranged in a nested or layered configuration within the tip section housing, with components positioned in predetermined locations that optimize space utilization. This nested arrangement maintains compact dimensions for surgical accessibility while allowing each component to be manufactured separately using conventional methods
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 1C~1F
AI summary
The present invention relates to an electronic circuit board assembly for a medical device, the assembly comprising a base board (3805), a first frame (3810) including an opening (3841a), a top surface (3842a), a bottom surface (3843a), and a protrusion (3844a) extending from the bottom surface (3843a), wherein the first frame (3810) is configured to receive a first sensor (3802) and a first printed circuit board (3817), wherein the first frame (3810) is positioned at one end of the base board (3805), and a first lens assembly coupled to the first frame (3810), and wherein the protrusion (3844a) extends through an opening (3806) in the base board (3805).