Pivotable Endoscope Imaging Head for Rotation-Free Viewing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing endoscopes and exoscopes face challenges in providing a mechanically robust and miniaturizable solution with an adjustable viewing direction that minimizes image distortion, particularly in stereo video endoscopes, which require high computational effort for digital compensation.

Innovation Solution

A swiveling image acquisition device is pivoted at the distal end of the endoscope or exoscope using a rotatable drive device that engages the image acquisition device, allowing the optical axis to move on a conical surface, with a pivot bearing device and a drive device that rotates about a rotational axis, mechanically coupled to the image acquisition device, without using gears or cam drives.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If digital compensation is used to correct image rotation in stereo video endoscopes, then image stability can be maintained, but computational effort and processing time increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimage stabilityVSAvoidcomputational effort

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the digital image processing system with a mechanical solution. The image acquisition device is equipped with a pivot mechanism that physically maintains the optical axis orientation relative to the shaft, preventing image rotation at the source rather than correcting it computationally afterward. This mechanical substitution eliminates the need for complex digital compensation algorithms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements preliminary action by maintaining the correct optical orientation before image capture occurs. The pivot mechanism ensures that the image acquisition device is pre-positioned with the proper orientation relative to the shaft, so that images are captured correctly from the start, eliminating the need for post-capture rotational correction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Adaptability or versatility

If the image acquisition device is made pivotable to enable adjustable viewing direction, then versatility is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional mechanical components

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadjustable viewing directionVSAvoidmechanical components

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the endoscope into distinct functional modules: a shaft portion and a separately pivotable image acquisition device. This segmentation allows the viewing direction adjustment function to be isolated in the pivotable head, while the rest of the endoscope remains simple and straightforward in design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces dynamic capability by making the image acquisition device pivotable relative to the shaft. This allows the viewing direction to be adjusted dynamically during use, transforming a static imaging system into one that can adapt its orientation while maintaining mechanical simplicity through the use of a single pivot degree of freedom.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If the image acquisition device is pivotable to enable adjustable viewing direction, then adaptability is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase to minimize image distortion

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadjustable viewing directionVSAvoidimage distortion control

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a pivot mechanism as an intermediary element between the shaft and the image acquisition device. This intermediary component provides a controlled, defined pivot axis that ensures smooth and precise angular adjustments while maintaining consistent geometric relationships, thereby minimizing image distortion during viewing direction changes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP3922161B1Endoscope with pivotable imaging device

Publication Date: 2025.10.29 KARL STORZ SE & CO KG

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AI summary

An endoscope (10) comprises an image acquisition device (50) with a lens (52) for generating a real image and an image sensor (54) for acquiring the real image and generating an image signal representing the acquired real image, a pivot bearing device (62) that enables the optical axis (58) of the lens (52) of the image acquisition device (50) to move on a conical surface, and a drive device (90) rotatable about a rotational axis (38). The rotatable drive device (90) is mechanically coupled to the image acquisition device (50) such that rotation of the rotatable drive device (90) is accompanied by movement of the optical axis (58) of the lens (54) of the image acquisition device (50) on a conical surface.