Asymmetric Lateral Spreading in Stereo Endoscope Objective Lens
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing stereo endoscopes face a challenge in achieving sufficient lateral spread of beam paths between the right and left partial images in the proximal objective lens portion without unnecessarily increasing the installation space, which restricts the use of larger optical components and limits image quality.
Innovation Solution
The stereo endoscope employs an asymmetric lateral spreading arrangement in the transition portion, where one beam path is offset by a first distance and the other by a shorter second distance, utilizing a combination of prisms and a plane glass element to achieve the necessary spread while maintaining similar optical path lengths, and allows for rotational adjustment of the distal and proximal objective lens portions to change the direction of view without altering the image recorder alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If a symmetric lateral spreading arrangement is used to increase the distance between beam paths, then the spacing between optical components is increased, but the installation space required is excessively large
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by using different types of prisms for the right and left beam paths. Specifically, the right beam path uses a first prism type while the left beam path uses a second prism type, creating an asymmetric lateral spreading arrangement. This asymmetric design achieves the necessary lateral spread of beam paths while minimizing the overall installation space compared to symmetric arrangements.
Solution Approach 2:
The lateral spreading arrangement is segmented into multiple reflection stages. Each beam path undergoes multiple reflections at different prisms arranged in sequence, rather than requiring a single large-offset prism. This segmentation allows the beam paths to be spread laterally through cumulative small deviations, reducing the overall space requirement.
2Manufacturing precision
If the beam paths are laterally spread to accommodate larger optical components, then the image quality is improved, but the installation space for the objective lens is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The asymmetric prism arrangement enables optimized lateral spreading that provides sufficient separation for larger optical components while minimizing installation space. The different prism types and their specific arrangements are designed to achieve the minimum necessary lateral spread for high-quality imaging without excessive space consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes multiple spatial dimensions by arranging prisms in a multi-stage configuration where beam paths are deviated in different directions sequentially. This multi-dimensional approach to lateral spreading allows efficient use of available space while achieving the required separation for larger optical components.
3Area of stationary object
If multiple reflections are used to laterally spread beam paths, then the lateral offset is achieved, but beam trimming is required which complicates the system
Solution Approach 1:
The patent ensures that each beam path is locally optimized by positioning prisms and beam deflecting surfaces such that the full beam width is maintained throughout the reflection sequence. The local arrangement of prisms and beam paths is designed to avoid beam trimming while achieving the required lateral offset.
Solution Approach 2:
The prism arrangements are designed in advance with predetermined geometry and positioning that pre-calculates the necessary lateral offsets. The prisms are configured with specific angles and orientations that inherently guide the beams to their final positions without requiring additional trimming or adjustment mechanisms.
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 sufficient lateral spread without excessive installation space, enabling the use of larger optical components and improving image quality while reducing the required space for image recorders, thus enhancing the overall performance of the stereo endoscope.
Implementation Method 1
one beam path is offset by a first distance and the other by a shorter second distance, utilizing a combination of prisms
Implementation Method 2
utilizing a combination of prisms and a plane glass element to achieve the necessary spread while maintaining similar optical path lengths
Data Source
AI summary
A stereo endoscope including: a shaft; and an objective lens including: a distal objective lens portion, where beam paths of right and left partial images extend through common optical components; a proximal objective lens portion, where the beam paths of the right and left partial images extend through separate optical components; and a transition portion, where the beam paths of the right and left partial images, which emerge from the distal objective lens portion at an angle to one another, are aligned parallel to one another; the transition portion comprises a lateral spreading arrangement including optical components for increasing a distance between the beam paths of the right and left partial images; and the lateral spreading arrangement is configured to laterally spread the beam paths of the right and left partial images asymmetrically in relation to an optical axis of the distal objective lens portion.