Prism Diaphragm Subassembly Bonding for Endoscope Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical image transmission systems, such as endoscopes, face challenges in achieving easy assembly, good handling, and precise display properties due to complex manufacturing processes and inadequate optical imaging quality, particularly with lenses using multiple prisms or cemented components.
Innovation Solution
A subassembly for a lens in an optical image transmission system, comprising a prism rigidly connected to a diaphragm element via direct bonding, such as optical cement or hydrophilic bonding, allowing for a single component that can be easily mounted and aligned, with precise optical performance maintained by controlling the cement gap and using glass components with polished surfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If multiple prisms or cemented components are used to achieve angled lens functionality, then the optical deflection capability is improved, but the manufacturing complexity and assembly difficulty increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple optical components (prism, diaphragm element, and housing) into a single integrated subassembly. The prism is rigidly connected to the diaphragm element, which is then inserted into the housing as one unit, eliminating the need for separate alignment and assembly of multiple prisms while maintaining precise optical imaging quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the optical system into modular subassemblies that can be independently manufactured and then easily assembled. The subassembly containing the prism and diaphragm element can be produced separately with high precision and then inserted into the housing, simplifying the overall manufacturing process.
2Reliability
If multiple separate components are used for the angled lens, then the optical functionality is achieved, but the assembly and alignment process becomes time-consuming and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The prism and diaphragm element are rigidly connected to form a single subassembly, eliminating the need for separate alignment operations. This integrated structure ensures reliable optical performance while significantly reducing assembly time, as the entire subassembly can be inserted into the housing in one operation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If individual prisms are used with mechanical connections, then the optical deflection is achieved, but the mechanical connection creation becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the prism with the diaphragm element through rigid connection, eliminating the need for separate mechanical connections between multiple prisms. This approach maintains full optical deflection capability while dramatically simplifying the manufacturing and assembly process.
4Ease of manufacture
If plastic material is used for the prism, then the manufacturing cost is reduced, but the optical imaging quality and reflective surface precision deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent specifies using glass material with a refractive index of at least 1.5 for the prism, which provides superior optical imaging quality and precise reflective surfaces compared to plastic. This material parameter change ensures high-quality optical performance while the integrated design maintains manufacturing efficiency.
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 solution enables easy assembly and maintenance of optical systems with improved optical quality, reducing manufacturing complexity and enhancing image clarity through precise alignment and bonding techniques.
Implementation Method 1
A prism is usually used to deflect a light beam in the angled lens
Implementation Method 2
connecting means, such as an optical cement, being provided directly between the prism and the diaphragm element
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a subassembly (1) for an objective (10), in particular for a long and thin optical image transfer system, for example an endoscope, to an objective (10) and to an optical image transfer system, and to a method for producing a subassembly and an objective. The subassembly (1) comprises a prism (2) and a shutter element (3), the prism (2) and the shutter element (3) being rigidly connected to one another, preferably by means of cementing or via direct bonding.