Fiber-Optic Light Guide With Deformed Ends for Low-Loss Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fiber-optic light guides face challenges in efficiently coupling with light sources and inserting into examination sites due to diameter constraints, leading to reduced light transmission and interference at the interface between regions of different diameters.
Innovation Solution
A fiber-optic light guide design with a flexible region of constant diameter and a rigid, enveloping material that allows for deformation, including bends and modified cross-sectional geometry, ensuring continuous fiber structure and reduced stray light.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If the diameter of the light guide is increased to improve light source coupling efficiency, then the light transmission is improved, but the insertion into the body to be examined becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The light guide is divided into multiple sections with different diameters: a first section with larger diameter for efficient light source coupling, and a second section with smaller diameter for easy insertion into the body. This segmentation allows each section to optimize its function independently, resolving the contradiction between light transmission efficiency and insertability.
2Length of moving object
If a tapering region is added to reduce diameter for insertion, then the insertability is improved, but light is lost due to reflection at the interface between regions of different diameters
Solution Approach 1:
The transition region between the first and second sections is designed with gradually changing local properties - the diameter changes progressively rather than abruptly, and the refractive index is adjusted locally to minimize reflection. This local quality optimization reduces light loss at the interface while maintaining the diameter reduction needed for insertion.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the light guide is made rigid to maintain structural stability, then the structural stability is improved, but the adaptability to limited installation spaces is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The light guide incorporates a flexible section between the first rigid section and the second rigid section. This dynamic design allows the light guide to bend and adapt to various installation spaces and body contours, while the rigid sections maintain structural stability for proper alignment and light transmission. The flexible section acts as a buffer that accommodates spatial constraints without compromising overall structural integrity.
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
Enhances light concentration and acceptance angle, minimizing light loss and stray light, while adapting to limited installation spaces and improving illumination for endoscopic applications.
Implementation Method 1
the optical fibers are fused with one another there and preferably also with the enveloping material
Implementation Method 2
Light guidance in the fiber core is made possible by total-internal reflection at the interface between core and cladding
Data Source
AI summary
A fiber-optic light guide is provided. The light guide includes plurality of optical fibers and an enveloping material. The plurality of optical fibers define a flexible fiber bundle. The flexible fiber bundle has a first diameter and a length along a longitudinal axis. The enveloping material encloses the plurality of optical fibers at one end of the flexible fiber bundle and over at least a part of the length to define a rigid portion. The plurality of optical fibers in the rigid portion are fused with one another. The flexible fiber bundle has a modified or formed cross-sectional geometry in a region of the enveloping material.