Removable Camera Module for Endoscope Light Source Replacement

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Solution Overview

Problem

Endoscope maintenance is cumbersome due to the need to disassemble the entire device for light source replacement, leading to inefficient maintenance and repair processes.

Innovation Solution

A camera module design where the light source assembly and lens assembly are housed separately and removably connected, allowing for direct replacement of the camera module without disassembling the entire endoscope, facilitating easier maintenance and adjustment of optical parameters.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the light source assembly is integrated into the main endoscope body, then the structural integrity and stability are improved, but the maintenance complexity and time consumption increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural integrityVSAvoidmaintenance complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The endoscope is divided into distinct modular components: a reusable main body and a replaceable camera module. The camera module contains the light source assembly, lens assembly, and image sensor integrated together. This segmentation allows the light source to be replaced by simply detaching the entire camera module from the main body, eliminating complex disassembly procedures while maintaining structural integrity through standardized connection interfaces.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If the light source assembly is integrated into the main endoscope body, then the system stability is improved, but the maintenance time and operational efficiency deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem stabilityVSAvoidmaintenance efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The camera module is designed as a self-contained replaceable unit that houses the light source assembly, lens assembly, and image sensor. This modular segmentation enables rapid replacement of the entire camera module in a single operation, dramatically improving maintenance efficiency from hours to minutes while maintaining system stability through consistent mechanical and electrical connection protocols.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The camera module containing the light source is extracted as a separate replaceable component from the main endoscope body. This extraction allows the light source to be replaced independently without affecting the main body, enabling quick maintenance operations and improving productivity while preserving system stability through standardized interfaces.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Ease of repair

If the camera module is designed with removable connection between housing and connection base, then the ease of maintenance is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of maintenanceVSAvoidconnection structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of repairVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The camera module is segmented into a housing containing optical components and a connection base for electrical and mechanical attachment. This segmentation provides removable connectivity for easy maintenance while managing complexity through modular design. The housing integrates the light source, lens, and sensor, creating a compact unit that simplifies the overall connection structure despite the removable interface.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP4023139B1Camera module and endoscope
Publication Date: 2024.05.08 SHENZHEN YATEKS OPTICAL ELECTRONICS TECH CO LTD
  • EP4023139B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4023139B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP4023139B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

The present disclosure relates to the field of optical technologies and provides a camera module (100) and an endoscope. The camera module (100) includes: a connecting base (10), including a first connecting member (11) and a first circuit board (12); wherein the first circuit board (12) is installed in the first connecting member (11); and a camera (20), including a housing, a second circuit board (24), a light source assembly (26), and a lens assembly (27); wherein the second circuit board (24), the light source assembly (26), and the lens assembly (27) are respectively installed in the housing; the housing is removably connected to the first connecting member (11); the first circuit board (12) and the second circuit board (24) are electrically connected to each other.