Side-Mounted Image Sensor in Endoscope Holder
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional endoscope devices face challenges in minimizing the diameter and length of the insertion portion while maintaining effective imaging capabilities, particularly with the integration of large image sensors and light collection systems.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates an optical member holder with a hollow cylindrical shape, featuring a lens group, an optical member for light transmission or reflection, an image sensor for photoelectric conversion, and a substrate for electrical connection, where the image sensor is attached to the side surface through a cutout portion, facilitating a thinner and shorter imaging device configuration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a large image sensor is mounted to enlarge the light receiving region, then imaging performance is improved, but the diameter of the insertion portion increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent repositions the image sensor from a conventional location to the side surface of the optical member holder, utilizing the lateral dimension rather than increasing the axial diameter. This dimensional reconfiguration allows the light receiving region to be enlarged without proportionally increasing the insertion portion diameter, as the sensor extends sideways rather than outward from the central axis.
Solution Approach 2:
The image sensor is integrated within the side surface of the optical member holder structure, with the sensor body nested inside the holder's lateral space. The light receiving region extends through the side wall, effectively nesting the sensor within the existing structural envelope rather than requiring additional external space.
2Ease of operation
If the insertion portion diameter is reduced to minimize burden on examinee, then ease of operation is improved, but imaging capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The invention shifts the light receiving region from a central axial position to a lateral position on the side surface. This allows the main body of the insertion portion to remain compact for easy insertion, while the light receiving region extends sideways to provide sufficient imaging area without increasing the primary diameter of the insertion shaft.
3Ease of operation
If the insertion portion length is reduced to minimize burden on examinee, then ease of operation is improved, but imaging capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
By positioning the light receiving region on the side surface rather than extending it axially, the invention achieves sufficient light receiving area without increasing the length of the insertion portion. The lateral extension of the light receiving region provides the necessary imaging capability while maintaining a compact axial profile for easy insertion and patient comfort.
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
This configuration allows for a more compact endoscope imaging device that can accommodate larger image sensors, reducing the diameter and length of the insertion portion while maintaining imaging performance, thus alleviating the burden on the subject and enhancing examination capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
a lens group that has a plurality of lenses and is provided inside the optical member holder, the lens group being configured to collect light incident from the second end portion of the optical member holder
Implementation Method 2
an optical member provided inside the optical member holder and configured to transmit or reflect the light collected by the lens group
Implementation Method 3
an optical member provided inside the optical member holder and configured to transmit or reflect the light collected by the lens group
Implementation Method 4
an image sensor having a light receiving surface to receive the light transmitted or reflected by the optical member and configured to perform a photoelectric conversion on the received light to generate an electric signal
Data Source
AI summary
An imaging device includes: a holder that has a substantially hollow cylindrical shape having first and second end portions, both of the first and second end portions being opened in a longitudinal direction of the holder, the holder having a cutout portion on a side surface of the first end portion; a lens group provided inside the holder and configured to collect light incident from the second end portion of the holder; an optical member provided inside the holder and configured to transmit or reflect the light collected by the lens group; and an image sensor configured receive the light from the optical member. Part of an outer surface of the optical member is a columnar surface, and the columnar surface of the optical member abuts on an inside of the holder. Part of the image sensor is attached to the side surface of the holder through the cutout portion.