Adjustable Laser Assembly with Sliding Fiber Lenses
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional laser assemblies for surgical procedures are cumbersome and time-consuming due to the need to manually adjust laser intensity and beam size by changing optical fibers, which complicates the process of delivering precise laser energy to varying treatment areas.
Innovation Solution
A laser assembly with adjustable focusing lenses, where an optical fiber is slidably disposed within a sheath, allowing the first and second lenses to move relative to each other to alter the intensity and spot size of the laser beam, eliminating the need for manual adjustments and fiber changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual adjustment of laser intensity and beam size by changing optical fibers is used, then laser energy can be delivered to treatment areas, but the process becomes cumbersome and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the optical fiber movable within the sheath rather than fixed. The optical fiber can be advanced or retracted relative to the sheath to change the position of the exit aperture, enabling dynamic adjustment of beam size and intensity without manual fiber changes. This resolves the contradiction by automating the adjustment process, improving surgical efficiency while eliminating time-consuming manual operations.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple optical fibers are used to adjust beam size for different treatment areas, then appropriate beam sizes can be achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the universality principle by making a single optical fiber perform multiple functions through positional variation. By advancing or retracting the same optical fiber within the sheath, the system can deliver different beam sizes and intensities appropriate for different treatment areas. This eliminates the need for multiple dedicated optical fibers, reducing device complexity while maintaining adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The dynamic positioning of the optical fiber within the sheath allows a single fiber to serve multiple purposes. The exit aperture position can be adjusted to match different treatment area requirements, making one optical fiber as versatile as multiple fixed fibers would be. This resolves the contradiction between adaptability and device complexity.
3Manufacturing precision
If optical fiber diameter corresponds to laser beam size, then beam size can be controlled, but manual fiber switching is required for different treatment areas
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves this contradiction by making the optical fiber dynamically adjustable within the sheath. Instead of requiring manual switching between fibers of different diameters, the same fiber can be positioned at different depths to achieve different effective beam sizes. This maintains precise beam size control while dramatically improving ease of operation by eliminating manual fiber switching.
Solution Approach 2:
The sheath acts as an intermediary mechanism that enables the optical fiber to achieve multiple beam sizes without changing the fiber itself. By controlling the relative position between the fiber and sheath, the system mediates between the fixed fiber diameter and the variable beam size requirement, maintaining precision while simplifying operation.
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 quick and precise adjustment of laser beam intensity and size by altering the distance between the lenses, simplifying the delivery of laser energy to different treatment areas without changing optical fibers, thus enhancing surgical efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
an optical fiber coupled to a laser energy source... transmit laser energy from the laser energy source to a target treatment area
Implementation Method 2
a first lens coupled to the distal end of the optical fiber... a second lens positioned on a distal region of the sheath... adjust a beam of energy that exits the sheath
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the disclosure may include an apparatus including an optical fiber having a distal end and configured to emit a beam of energy. The apparatus may also include a first lens coupled to the distal end of the optical fiber and a sheath including a channel and a second lens positioned on a distal region of the sheath. The optical fiber may be disposed within the channel of the sheath to permit relative movement between the first lens and the second lens and thereby adjust a beam of energy that exits the sheath.