Multifunction Pocket Endoscope with Integrated Sensors

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional endoscopes are bulky and limited in functionality, making them unsuitable for compact, efficient use in difficult-to-reach areas and hazardous conditions, and require multiple devices for various examinations, which is economically inefficient.

Innovation Solution

A multifunction camera pocket endoscope with a compact design incorporating an inspection camera, distance meter, ambient temperature meter, laser pointer, flashlight, and LCD display, allowing for integrated measurement and data storage, and enabling easy operation with a USB connection and adjustable settings.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If conventional endoscopes are designed with basic camera and screen functions, then they can perform live video transmission and photo recording, but they become bulky and cannot fit in work clothes pockets

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveportabilityVSAvoiddevice size
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple previously separate devices (endoscope, laser distance meter, infrared thermometer, laser pointer) into a single integrated base body. This merging reduces the number of separate devices needed and improves portability while maintaining all functions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The base body is designed as a universal platform that performs multiple functions: camera operation, distance measurement, temperature measurement, and laser pointing. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate devices and reduces overall equipment volume.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If conventional endoscopes are designed with basic camera functions, then they can transmit live videos and record photos, but they lack additional measurement functions requiring multiple separate devices

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement functionalityVSAvoidnumber of devices
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the endoscope camera with a laser distance meter, infrared thermometer, and laser pointer into one integrated device. This combination provides diverse measurement functionalities without requiring multiple separate devices, directly addressing the versatility vs. complexity contradiction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The base body serves as a universal measuring and inspection platform, capable of performing optical inspection, distance measurement, temperature measurement, and laser pointing functions, thereby eliminating the need for multiple specialized devices.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Productivity

If multiple separate measuring devices are used for different examinations, then various measurement functions can be performed, but it increases cost and reduces measurement efficiency

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement efficiencyVSAvoidnumber of devices
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

By combining multiple measuring devices into one integrated base body, the patent enables all measurement functions to be performed with a single device, improving productivity by eliminating the need to switch between multiple devices during inspections.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The universal base body performs camera inspection, distance measurement, temperature measurement, and laser pointing functions, allowing inspectors to complete multiple measurement tasks with one device, thereby improving efficiency and reducing the quantity of devices needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 endoscope provides improved measurement accuracy and efficiency, reducing the need for multiple devices and enhancing usability by fitting in a pocket, while offering faster and more economical examinations with enhanced functionality.

Implementation Method 1

a laser pointer (5), integrated in the base body (1)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLaser: Laser

Implementation Method 2

an infrared sensor (4''), integrated in the base body (1) for contactless temperature measurement

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectInfrared radiation detection: Infrared Radiation

Data Source

PatentEP3827729B1Multifunction camera
Publication Date: 2023.07.19 WALTER WERKZEUGE SALZBURG
  • EP3827729B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3827729B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

The invention relates to a multifunctional camera pocket endoscope comprising a base body (1), an inspection camera (2) attached to the end of a cable (2') connected to the base body (1), a distance meter (3), an ambient temperature sensor (4), a laser pointer (5), and a flashlight (6), wherein a liquid crystal display (LCD) (7) is attached to the front of the base body (1). The invention further relates to the use of such a multifunctional camera pocket endoscope in one of four different operating modes.