Transparent Endoscope Housing Light Guide
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing endoscope designs face challenges in efficiently accommodating a camera and illumination unit within a confined space while ensuring effective light transmission for imaging.
Innovation Solution
An endoscope head with a transparent housing element that surrounds the camera laterally and extends to the distal end, incorporating an illumination unit that emits light through the housing material, allowing for space-saving and efficient light guidance, with optional light reflectors and light forming elements to enhance light propagation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the endoscope head uses a compact arrangement to save space, then the components can be accommodated in a confined space, but the light transmission from the illumination unit may be obstructed
Solution Approach 1:
The housing element combines multiple functions: it serves as the structural housing for the camera and illumination unit, while simultaneously acting as a light guide to transmit illumination light to the distal end. This merging of housing and light guide functions eliminates the need for separate light guide components, enabling compact space utilization while maintaining effective light transmission.
Solution Approach 2:
The transparent housing element performs multiple roles: structural containment of components, optical transmission medium for illumination light, and protective enclosure. This multi-functionality allows the endoscope head to achieve compact dimensions without compromising illumination performance, as the same component serves both spatial and optical requirements.
2Volume of moving object
If the illumination unit is positioned to emit light through the housing element, then space is saved and light guidance is efficient, but the camera positioning and protection become more challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The camera is positioned within the housing element in a nested arrangement, with the illumination unit arranged around or adjacent to it. The housing element envelops both components, creating a compact nested structure that maximizes space efficiency while maintaining proper optical paths for both illumination and imaging functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The housing element exhibits different optical properties in different regions: it is transparent in areas where light transmission is required (illumination paths) and can be opaque or have different characteristics in areas requiring camera protection or structural support. This local differentiation of material properties enables simultaneous optimization of space efficiency and component protection.
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 enables a slender endoscope design with efficient light transmission, allowing the camera to capture images outside the endoscope head while optimizing space usage and minimizing obstruction.
Implementation Method 1
The illumination unit emits light in such a manner that the light propagates through the material of the transparent housing element. In this way, the housing element acts as a light guide.
Implementation Method 2
Proximally from the illumination unit, a light reflector may be arranged in the endoscope head such that it reflects light from the illumination unit in the distal direction.
Data Source
AI summary
An endoscope head and endoscope including such endoscope head includes a camera, a housing element made from transparent material which surrounds the camera at least laterally and at least in portions and extends to the distal end of the endoscope head, and including at least one illumination unit which is arranged laterally from the camera and/or proximally from the camera.