Pivotable Camera for Endoscopic Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing camera systems for use at the distal ends of elongate arms, such as endoscopes, either have fixed camera angles dependent on arm orientation or offer remote orientation but lack the ability to pivot independently and remotely by a significant range, limiting their versatility in capturing images within the human body.
Innovation Solution
An imaging device comprising an elongate mechanical arm with an imaging assembly at the distal end, featuring a pivot member and an actuation member that allows the camera to pivot orthogonally to the arm's longitudinal centerline by at least 90°, enabling remote user-controlled orientation independent of the arm's orientation, powered by either a local or remote source.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the camera angle is fixed relative to the arm orientation, then the device complexity is reduced, but the adaptability of the imaging device is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The camera is made dynamically pivotable relative to the distal end of the elongate arm through a pivot member with a pivot axis. This allows the camera to rotate independently within a pivot range (e.g., at least 45°, 90°, or 135°) while the arm maintains its position, providing dynamic adaptability without requiring complex repositioning mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The imaging device is segmented into functionally independent components: the elongate arm for navigation and positioning, and the camera assembly with pivot capability for orientation control. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently - the arm for reachability and the camera for versatile imaging angles
2Extent of automation
If manual camera orientation is provided, then the ease of operation is improved, but the extent of automation is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
Manual mechanical camera orientation is replaced with an automated actuation system. The actuation member (e.g., motor, servo mechanism) automatically pivots the camera in response to electronic signals, eliminating the need for manual manipulation while maintaining precise control through electronic interfaces
Solution Approach 2:
The camera system performs self-orientation automatically based on control signals. The actuation member enables the camera to pivot autonomously to desired angles without requiring external manual intervention, making the system self-sufficient in maintaining optimal imaging positions
3Adaptability or versatility
If the pivot range is limited, then the device complexity is reduced, but the adaptability of the camera orientation is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The camera pivot mechanism provides dynamic range adjustment capability. The pivot member allows the camera to rotate through extended angles (at least 45°, 90°, or 135°) while maintaining mechanical stability, adapting to various imaging requirements without requiring multiple discrete positioning mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The pivot mechanism is designed with universal applicability to accommodate multiple imaging scenarios. A single pivot mechanism with sufficient range (e.g., 90° or 135°) serves multiple functions - capturing images from lateral angles, retroflected views, and intermediate positions - replacing the need for multiple specialized positioning systems
Data Source
AI summary
An imaging device for capturing an image within a human body comprises an elongate mechanical arm and an imaging assembly coupled to the arm at a distal arm-location. The imaging assembly comprises a camera, a pivot member defining a pivot axis and engaged with the camera such that the camera is pivotable about the pivot axis throughout a pivot range, and an actuation member configured to pivot the camera in response to a remote user input. The pivot range can include a point at which an orientation of the camera is rotated at least 90° from an orientation of the elongate arm at the distal arm-location. The wherein the pivot range can include at least a range of 45° in at least a plane parallel to a longitudinal centerline of the elongate arm at the distal arm-location.