Coupling Lens Alignment for Safer Medical Laser Setup
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional alignment procedures for medical laser systems are time-consuming and pose safety risks due to the use of laser pulses and thermal paper, which can damage optics and contaminate the system.
Innovation Solution
A laser system with a coupling lens assembly that can move in x-, y-, and z-directions, combined with alignment features and an aiming laser generator, allows for precise alignment of the laser system without generating laser pulses or using thermal paper.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional alignment procedures use laser pulses and thermal paper, then alignment can be performed, but alignment time is excessive (1-2 days) and safety risks increase due to potential damage to optics
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the harmful elements (laser pulses and thermal paper) from the alignment process. Instead of using laser pulses that can damage optics and thermal paper that generates contaminating particles, the invention uses a visible alignment laser beam that is safe and does not require thermal paper, thereby eliminating the safety risks and time consumption associated with the conventional method
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a visible alignment laser beam as an intermediary tool to enable alignment without using the actual medical laser pulses. This intermediary alignment beam allows operators to visualize and adjust the optical path safely, eliminating the need for thermal paper and reducing alignment time while maintaining safety
2Measurement precision
If conventional alignment procedures use thermal paper to improve accuracy, then alignment accuracy is enhanced, but particles are generated that contaminate and damage optics
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes thermal paper from the alignment process entirely. Instead of using thermal paper to mark alignment positions, the invention uses a visible alignment laser beam that can be directly observed and adjusted, eliminating the source of particle contamination while maintaining alignment accuracy through visual feedback
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a visible copy or representation of the alignment path using a visible alignment laser beam that mimics the path of the invisible medical laser. This visible copy allows for accurate alignment without requiring thermal paper, thereby preventing contamination while achieving the same measurement precision
3Ease of operation
If conventional alignment procedures use laser pulses from laser cavities, then alignment can be performed, but safety risks increase and optics can be damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a visible alignment laser beam as a safe intermediary that performs the alignment function without the harmful effects of high-power laser pulses. This intermediary beam allows operators to easily perform alignment while eliminating the risk of damaging optics with intense laser energy
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the expensive and potentially damaging laser pulses with a safe, inexpensive visible alignment laser beam. This alignment beam serves its purpose temporarily during the alignment process and can be turned off, eliminating the risk of permanent damage to expensive optical components
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
The solution significantly reduces alignment time, enhances safety by eliminating the need for laser pulses and thermal paper, and improves accuracy and precision in aligning the medical laser system.
Implementation Method 1
a coupling lens assembly, the coupling lens assembly including a lens located at a third position on the third path, wherein the coupling lens assembly is configured to move the lens in x-, y-, and z-directions
Implementation Method 2
a beam splitter located at a first position on the third path
Implementation Method 3
a beam combiner located at a second position on the third path
Data Source
AI summary
A laser system includes a first laser cavity to output a laser light along a first path, a first mirror to receive the laser light from the first laser cavity, and redirect the laser light along a second path that is different than the first path, a second mirror to receive the laser light from the first mirror, and redirect the laser light along a third path that is different than the first path and the second path, a beam splitter located at a first position on the third path, a beam combiner located at a second position on the third path; and a coupling lens assembly, the coupling lens assembly including a lens located at a third position on the third path, wherein the coupling lens assembly moves the lens in x-, y-, and x-directions.