Optical Adaptor LED Static Electricity Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Endoscope LEDs are prone to breakage due to static electricity, as they have weak properties against electrostatic voltage, and existing solutions do not adequately protect against such voltage.
Innovation Solution
An optical adaptor with a cylindrical outer casing containing LEDs, featuring terminals connected between the anode and cathode of the LEDs, and static-electricity protecting means such as diodes or varistors, which divert static electricity away from the LEDs, ensuring they are not directly exposed to electrostatic voltage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If LEDs are used for illumination in the endoscope insertion portion, then illumination efficiency is improved, but the LEDs are vulnerable to static electricity damage
Solution Approach 1:
A varistor is introduced as an intermediary protective component connected in parallel with the LED. The varistor has a voltage threshold characteristic that allows normal operating voltage to pass through to the LED while blocking excessive voltage from static electricity discharge, thus protecting the LED without affecting its illumination function
Solution Approach 2:
The varistor is pre-connected in parallel with the LED before static electricity can cause damage. When static electricity discharge occurs, the varistor immediately clamps the voltage to a safe level, cushioning the LED from voltage spikes before they can cause breakdown
2Reliability
If electrostatic protecting circuits are added to protect LEDs, then static electricity resistance is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A single varistor component is used instead of complex protecting circuits with multiple components. The varistor is a simple, inexpensive, two-terminal device that provides effective ESD protection without requiring complex circuit design, multiple protective components, or sophisticated control logic
Solution Approach 2:
The varistor's resistance parameter dynamically changes based on voltage level. At normal operating voltage, it has high resistance and does not interfere with LED operation. When static electricity causes voltage to exceed the varistor's threshold, its resistance drops dramatically to shunt the excess current, providing automatic protection without complex control
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 optical adaptor effectively protects LEDs from static electricity, preventing breakage and allowing for reliable operation without the need for grounding, thus enhancing the reliability of endoscope illumination systems.
Implementation Method 1
a varistor, having a characteristic to limit voltage between both ends thereof, is connected in parallel with the LED
Implementation Method 2
a diode is connected in parallel with the LED in such a manner that a forward direction of the diode is opposite to a forward direction of the LED
Data Source
AI summary
An optical adaptor for endoscope according to the present invention includes, in an outer casing, a light emitter, serving as a light source for illumination, and two terminals connected to the positive and negative electrodes of the light emitters to be externally projected from the inside of the outer casing. The connection of a diode between the positive and negative electrodes of the light emitters prevents the static electricity from being applied to the light emitter.