Offset Cable Axis for Compact Endoscope Substrate Connector
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The existing substrate connecting structures in endoscopes face challenges in minimizing the size of the signal cable and preventing breakages due to load-induced stress at the joining portions between signal lines and substrates, particularly during insertion and connector operations.
Innovation Solution
A substrate connecting structure featuring a circuit substrate with signal line connecting portions on both faces and a conductive coupling member that fixes the signal cable, allowing the cable axis to be offset relative to the substrate axis, thereby reducing the connector's width and thickness and enhancing stability against load-induced breakages.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the substrate-to-substrate connector is made small in width and thickness to pass through the insertion portion smoothly, then the connector size is reduced, but the joining portion between signal line and substrate becomes more vulnerable to breakage under load
Solution Approach 1:
The patent offsets the cable central axis from the substrate longitudinal direction central axis, creating a dimensional displacement that allows the connector to achieve a compact profile in width and thickness while maintaining sufficient joining portion strength through strategic positioning of the signal lines and joining sections.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs asymmetric positioning where the cable central axis is deliberately displaced toward the back face side relative to the substrate central axis. This asymmetric configuration optimizes the connector's external dimensions for compactness while preserving the mechanical strength of the joining portions between signal lines and substrate.
2Device complexity
If the cable central axis is aligned with the substrate central axis, then the connector structure is simplified, but the width and thickness dimensions increase preventing smooth passage through the insertion portion
Solution Approach 1:
By displacing the cable central axis from the substrate central axis, the patent achieves compact width and thickness dimensions necessary for insertion portion passage, while the offset configuration itself becomes part of the simplified overall structure that eliminates the need for additional alignment mechanisms.
Data Source
AI summary
A substrate connecting structure includes a circuit substrate where an electrical component is installed on the back face, a signal cable into which a plurality of signal transmission lines electrically connected to first signal line connecting portions and to second signal line connecting portions, respectively, are inserted, and a coupling member that is formed by a conductive member including a fixing section disposed at the end portion of the signal cable, a flat section on the front face of the circuit substrate, and a through hole, the coupling member fixing the signal cable and the circuit substrate, wherein the central axis of the signal cable is displaced toward the back face side with respect to the central axis of the circuit substrate.