Single Prismatic Lens Endoscope Miniaturization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current endoscopes face challenges in miniaturization and cost reduction, particularly in achieving a smaller exterior diameter for the distal insertion part, which limits their ability to observe internal details in small body lumens such as blood vessels, and are hindered by a complex structure that increases cost and component count.
Innovation Solution
The endoscope design features a single prismatic lens with a square exterior shape, an image sensor with a square shape, and a sensor cover that matches the lens shape, both fixed by a bonding resin, with the optical axis aligned with the image sensor's center, reducing the number of components and simplifying the structure to achieve a smaller diameter and lower costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple lenses and complex optical components are used, then imaging performance is improved, but device complexity and exterior diameter increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple optical functions (focusing, field flattening, aberration correction) into a single lens structure. The single lens includes a convex curved surface portion for focusing and a peripheral edge portion with a bonding plane for integration, eliminating the need for multiple separate lenses and reducing overall system complexity while maintaining imaging performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The single lens is segmented into functional regions: a central convex curved surface portion for primary optical function and a peripheral edge portion for structural integration and bonding. This segmentation allows the lens to perform multiple functions within a unified structure, reducing the number of discrete components needed.
2Measurement precision
If multiple lenses and components are used, then imaging performance is improved, but exterior diameter increases
Solution Approach 1:
By merging multiple optical components into a single integrated lens, the patent reduces the radial space required. The single lens with its convex curved surface and peripheral bonding plane consolidates functions that would otherwise require separate components, enabling a smaller exterior diameter suitable for insertion into small body lumens.
3Measurement precision
If multiple components are used, then optical performance is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent reduces manufacturing cost by consolidating multiple optical components into a single lens that can be manufactured as one piece. The integrated design with convex curved surface and peripheral bonding plane eliminates the need for assembling multiple lenses, reducing both material costs and assembly complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The single lens serves multiple functions simultaneously: focusing light through its convex curved surface, providing structural support through its peripheral edge, and enabling integration with the sensor cover via the bonding plane. This multi-functionality reduces the total component count and associated manufacturing costs.
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 miniaturized and cost-reduced endoscope with improved optical performance, enabling easier insertion into small body lumens and enhanced imaging capabilities while maintaining high image quality.
Implementation Method 1
a bonding resin portion that fixes the sensor cover to the single lens
Implementation Method 2
a single lens which has a square exterior shape in a direction perpendicular to an optical axis... an imaging mechanism comprising: an image sensor that has an square exterior shape which is same as the exterior shape of the single lens... the optical axis of the single lens coinciding with a center of the imaging area
Data Source
AI summary
An endoscope includes a single lens that has a square exterior shape in a direction perpendicular to an optical axis, an image sensor that has an square exterior shape which is same as the exterior shape of the single lens, in the direction perpendicular to the optical axis, a sensor cover that has an exterior shape which is same as the exterior shape of the single lens, in the direction perpendicular to the optical axis; and a bonding resin portion that fixes the sensor cover to the single lens, The single lens is a lens which is formed in a prismatic shape. The single lens has first surface on an imaging subject side that has a plane, and has second surface on an imaging side that has a convex surface.