Variable Focus Borescope Lens Assembly with Polarization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional 'chip-on-a-tip' laparoscopes and endoscopes have fixed focal lengths, requiring operators to adjust the scope's position to maintain focus, which can be inconvenient and limit imaging flexibility.
Innovation Solution
Integration of an active or variable focus lens assembly with a piezoelectric actuator and tunable voltage source, allowing for real-time adjustment of focal distance, either manually or automatically, using a substrate like a printed circuit board and a flexible PCB design to facilitate bending without damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a fixed focus lens is used during manufacturing, then the lens provides a fixed focal length optimal for a particular use, but objects closer to or further from the scope than the focal length will lose focus
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by replacing the static fixed-focus lens with a variable-focus lens assembly that can dynamically adjust its focal length. The lens assembly includes movable lens elements that can be repositioned along the optical axis to change the focal distance, enabling the system to adapt to different imaging distances and maintain focus flexibility during use.
2Ease of operation
If the operator moves the scope in and out to adjust focus, then the focal distance can be changed, but the physical distance adjustment is required and convenient operation is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies mechanics substitution by replacing the mechanical approach of moving the entire scope with an optical solution. Instead of physically relocating the scope to change focus distance, the invention uses an electrically controllable lens assembly that adjusts focal length optically. This is achieved through piezoelectric actuators or voice coil motors that move lens elements within the optical system, eliminating the need for manual scope repositioning.
3Manufacturing precision
If polarizing films are added to reduce specular highlights, then imaging quality is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the merging principle by integrating polarizing films into the existing optical path of the lens assembly. Rather than adding separate, standalone polarization components, the polarizing films are incorporated within the lens structure itself, combining multiple optical functions (focusing and polarization) into a unified assembly. This reduces the overall component count and simplifies the device structure while maintaining imaging quality improvements.
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
Enables precise and flexible focusing during use, reducing the need for physical adjustments and improving imaging capabilities by allowing focus on objects at varying distances without moving the scope.
Implementation Method 1
The active lens unit and/or assembly may comprise a piezoelectric actuator, which may comprise a piezoelectric material that may be configured to reshape under an applied voltage to adjust the focal distance of the device in real time.
Implementation Method 2
Some embodiments may further comprise polarizers, such as polarizing films, which may be used to reduce undesirable specular highlights during imaging.
Data Source
AI summary
Borescopes, such as laparoscopes and endoscopes, having light polarization features. In some embodiments, a laparoscope or other medical borescope may comprise a shaft; an array of LED light sources; a first polarizer configured to polarize light from array of LED light sources; and an image sensor. A second polarizer may be positioned and configured to polarize reflected light from an ambient environment that is directed towards the image sensor.