Elastomeric Lens Deformation for OCT Probe Scanning

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Solution Overview

Problem

OCT probes face challenges in scanning tissue effectively due to the small diameter of the cannula, which limits the movement of optical fibers and affects image clarity and resolution, and the need for cost-effective manufacturing.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating an elastomeric optical element that can be deformed by an actuator system to redirect the focused imaging light, allowing for scanning without moving the fiber within the cannula, thus increasing the fiber diameter and numerical aperture, and improving image clarity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If the optical fiber is moved back and forth within the cannula to scan tissue, then scanning functionality is achieved, but the small diameter of the cannula limits the movement and reduces image clarity and resolution

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimage clarity and resolutionVSAvoidcannula diameter

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of moving the optical fiber to achieve scanning, the patent inverts the approach by keeping the fiber stationary and moving the imaging lens back and forth. This allows the fiber to have a larger diameter for better image resolution while the lens performs the scanning function by redirecting light to different tissue locations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an imaging lens as an intermediary component between the stationary optical fiber and the target tissue. The lens acts as a mediator that redirects light from the fiber to different locations on the tissue, enabling scanning functionality without requiring the fiber itself to move within the constrained cannula space.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If the optical fiber diameter is increased to improve numerical aperture and image resolution, then image quality improves, but the fiber cannot fit within the small diameter cannula

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimage resolutionVSAvoidcannula diameter

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent swaps the roles of the fiber and lens. Instead of having a thin fiber move within the cannula, a larger-diameter lens is positioned at the distal end of the cannula while the fiber remains stationary. This inversion allows the fiber to have sufficient diameter for high numerical aperture and image resolution without the constraint of moving within the narrow cannula.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

3Measurement precision

If complex actuator systems are used to move the fiber for scanning, then scanning precision improves, but manufacturing cost and device complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvescanning precisionVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The imaging lens serves as a mechanical intermediary that provides scanning capability through simple back-and-forth movement. This approach achieves scanning precision without requiring complex actuator systems, as the lens can be actuated by simpler mechanisms compared to moving the fiber itself within the constrained space.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent describes a disposable imaging probe where the entire assembly including the lens and fiber is discarded after use. This approach simplifies manufacturing by eliminating the need for expensive, complex, and highly reliable actuator systems that would be required for reusable probes, as the disposable nature allows for simpler construction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

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

This solution enables improved scanning functionality, increased numerical aperture, and enhanced image resolution while maintaining cost-effectiveness and ease of manufacturing.

Implementation Method 1

an elastomeric optical element configured to receive the focused imaging light from the optical focusing element and to be deformable to redirect the focused imaging light

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDeformation: Deformation

Data Source

PatentUS10178950B2Imaging probes and associated devices, systems, and methods utilizing an elastomeric optical element

Publication Date: 2019.01.15 ALCON INC

AI summary

The imaging probe can comprise a housing, having a proximal region configured to be coupled to an optical cable; a cannula, extending from a distal region of the housing; an optical guide, positioned partially in the housing and partially in the cannula, configured to receive an imaging light from the cable in the proximal region of the housing, and to guide the imaging light towards a distal end of the cannula; an optical focusing element, configured to receive the imaging light from the optical guide, and to emit a focused imaging light; an elastomeric optical element, configured to receive the focused imaging light from the optical focusing element, and to be deformable to redirect the focused imaging light; and an actuator system, configured to deform the elastomeric optical element to redirect the focused imaging light.