Side-viewing Endoscope Miniaturization via Direct Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current side-viewing endoscopes face challenges in miniaturization due to threaded connections, which hinder further size reduction and alignment, and require additional locating means for the optical camera lens, increasing discomfort during use and limiting applications in small spaces.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a front tubular section with a beveled rear open end, an intermediate tubular section with a reduced diameter, and a rear cap, eliminating threaded connections and allowing the optical imaging unit to be sized correspondingly, enabling a minimized volume and easier assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If threaded connection is used for front and rear capsules, then assembly is secured, but endoscope size cannot be minimized
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the threaded connection structure from the endoscope design. Instead of using threads to connect the front capsule and rear capsule, the invention uses a simplified coupling mechanism where the rear capsule is directly inserted into and secured by the front capsule's coupling structure, eliminating the need for thread formation and associated space requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the connection parameter from threaded (requiring pitch and depth space) to a direct insert-fit coupling. This parameter change allows the endoscope to achieve minimized dimensions by eliminating the space required for thread formation while maintaining secure assembly through the coupling portion and aligning portions.
2Stability of the object's composition
If threaded connection is used, then assembly is secured, but alignment of front and rear capsule becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces aligning portions as intermediary features that facilitate the connection between the front capsule and rear capsule. These aligning portions guide the rear capsule into proper alignment with the front capsule during assembly, making the connection process easier while maintaining assembly stability through the coupling structure.
3Manufacturing precision
If additional locating means is added for optical camera lens, then lens positioning is secured, but endoscope size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the locating function into the existing coupling structure between the front capsule and rear capsule. The aligning portions that serve to connect and align the capsules also simultaneously provide precise positioning for the optical camera lens, eliminating the need for separate locating means and reducing overall endoscope size.
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 significantly reduced overall volume, alleviating patient discomfort and enabling the endoscope to be used in smaller spaces, both medically and industrially, while facilitating quick assembly and alignment.
Implementation Method 1
an inclined reflector is fixedly mounted in the front capsule corresponding to the light window, so that a laterally projected light source received by the reflector is refracted into an axial direction of the capsule
Data Source
AI summary
A side-viewing endoscope structure includes a front tubular section, an intermediate tubular section, a rear cap and an optical imaging unit. The front tubular section includes a tube, a reflector holder, and a reflector. The tube includes a main body and a coupling portion. The reflector holder is fitted in the main body of the tube and provided on one side of an outer wall surface thereof. The reflector is arranged on the reflector holder. A length of the intermediate tubular section has a reduced outer diameter to match the coupling portion. The rear cap has a rear wall provided with a cable hole. The optical imaging unit is located in the intermediate tubular section and the rear cap, and includes a flexible printed circuit board, a camera lens, a light source and a cable so as to transmit images.