Resin Molded Cable Structure for Endoscope Miniaturization
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for a cable structure and mount module that allows for easy and quick connection of multiple cables to a circuit board while enabling miniaturization of the endoscope's distal end, as existing methods are cumbersome and do not efficiently facilitate the exposure of conductor parts for connection.
Innovation Solution
A cable structure featuring a cable fixing part formed by resin molding, which exposes conductor parts on both sides for alignment and connection, allowing for easy alignment and connection to a circuit board, reducing the complexity and size of the endoscope system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If conventional cable fixing methods are used with step parts and openings, then cables can be connected to the circuit board, but the distal end part becomes large and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the cable fixing function and the conductor exposure function into a single integrated resin molded cable fixing part. This eliminates the need for separate step parts and openings, thereby reducing the overall size and structural complexity of the distal end assembly while maintaining effective cable connection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The cable fixing part is designed with distinct functional zones: a first portion for holding and aligning the cables, and a second portion with a through hole for exposing the conductor. This segmentation allows each zone to perform its specific function efficiently, contributing to both miniaturization and simplified structure.
2Productivity
If multiple cables are connected individually to the circuit board, then reliable electrical connection is achieved, but the connection process becomes time-consuming and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The resin molded cable fixing part performs preliminary alignment and positioning of multiple cables before the connection process. The through hole pre-exposes the conductor in a predetermined position, so that when the assembly is mounted on the circuit board, the conductor is already in the correct location for immediate connection, eliminating the need for individual cable positioning and significantly improving connection speed.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple cable holding functions are merged into a single resin molded structure that can accommodate and align multiple cables simultaneously. This unified structure replaces multiple individual connection operations with a single assembly step, thereby increasing productivity and simplifying the connection process.
3Reliability
If conductor parts are exposed for connection, then electrical connection to the circuit board is enabled, but thermal damage and contact failures may occur during soldering
Solution Approach 1:
The resin molded cable fixing part acts as an intermediary structure that holds the cable and positions the conductor for connection. The resin material provides thermal insulation and mechanical support during the soldering process, protecting the conductor from excessive heat and preventing contact failures, thereby ensuring reliable electrical connection without thermal damage.
Data Source
AI summary
A cable structure includes: a plurality of cables each including a conductor part and an electrically-insulative covering part, each conductor part being exposed in a part where the covering part at one end thereof is removed; and a cable fixing part formed by resin molding and configured to hold the plurality of cables while the ends of the plurality of cables exposing the conductor parts are aligned, wherein the cable fixing part includes a bottom face opening formed on a bottom face side facing a member to which the cables are connected and a top face opening formed on a top face side opposing the bottom face, the bottom face side and the top face side exposing the conductor parts.