Cylindrical Unit Aligns Optical Fiber and Lens in Endoscope

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing scanning endoscopic devices face challenges in efficiently adjusting the relative positions of optical fibers and lens systems during manufacturing, leading to complexities in focusing and potential damage during the alignment process.

Innovation Solution

A light irradiating device configuration featuring a cylindrical unit with a fiber-side and lens-side cylindrical portion, where the optical fiber is attached to the fiber-side cylindrical portion to regulate movement, and the lens optical system is fixed to the lens-side cylindrical portion, with a window defining portion allowing for precise adjustment of the optical axis alignment, preventing contact between the optical fiber and lens optical system.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If the optical fiber and lens optical system are closely positioned to improve focusing capability, then the focusing precision is improved, but the risk of damage during alignment increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefocusing capabilityVSAvoiddamage risk during alignment

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

A cylindrical unit is introduced as an intermediary structure between the optical fiber and lens optical system. This cylindrical unit includes positioning features that mediate the alignment process, allowing precise positioning while preventing direct contact and potential damage between the optical fiber and lens system during manufacturing and operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The cylindrical unit is pre-configured with positioning features such as ridges and grooves that establish the correct relative position between the optical fiber and lens optical system before final assembly. This preliminary positioning action ensures proper alignment while preventing damage during the assembly process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Ease of operation

If manual adjustment methods are used to align optical components, then flexibility is improved, but the manufacturing complexity and time increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadjustment flexibilityVSAvoidmanufacturing process complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The cylindrical unit incorporates self-aligning positioning features such as ridges fitting into grooves, and facing portions that automatically guide the optical fiber and lens optical system into correct relative positions. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for complex manual adjustment tools and procedures while maintaining alignment precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The invention replaces complex manual mechanical adjustment systems with a simplified positioning structure based on geometric fitting between the cylindrical unit, optical fiber, and lens optical system. This substitution reduces manufacturing complexity while maintaining the ability to achieve precise alignment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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

Facilitates easier and more precise alignment of the optical components, reducing the risk of damage and simplifying the manufacturing process, thereby enhancing the focusing capability and cost-effectiveness of the light irradiating device.

Implementation Method 1

an optical fiber (11) extended along a longitudinal axis (C), and being configured to emit, from a distal end (11b) thereof, light guided from a proximal direction to a distal direction

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTotal internal reflection: Total Internal Reflection

Implementation Method 2

a lens optical system (12) which is configured to collect the light emitted from the optical fiber to the subject

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRefraction: Refraction

Data Source

PatentUS8926500B2Light irradiating device, scanning endoscopic device, manufacturing method of light irradiating device, and manufacturing method of scanning endoscopic device

Publication Date: 2015.01.06 OLYMPUS CORPORATION(JP)

AI summary

In a light irradiating device of a scanning endoscopic device, a proximal end of a lens optical system is located apart from a distal end of an optical fiber in directions parallel to the longitudinal axis, and a lens-side facing portion faces a fiber-side facing portion apart from the fiber-side facing portion by a second dimension smaller than a first dimension between the distal end of the optical fiber and the proximal end of the lens optical system in the directions parallel to the longitudinal axis. The proximal end of the lens optical system and the distal end of the optical fiber are located between a distal end and a proximal end of the window in the directions parallel to the longitudinal axis.