Electrostatic Actuator for Optical Fiber Scanning in OCT Probes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional OCT probes face challenges in moving optical fibers within a small cannula for ophthalmic imaging due to limited space, which restricts the types of actuators that can be used and complicates cost-effective manufacturing, especially for disposable devices.
Innovation Solution
An actuator system utilizing charged electrodes to impart motion to the optical fiber within the OCT probe, creating electrostatic forces to scan the imaging light across the tissue, allowing for one-dimensional or two-dimensional scanning patterns.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional actuators are used to move the optical fiber within the cannula, then the fiber can be scanned across the tissue, but the device complexity increases and manufacturing becomes more difficult due to the limited space within the small cannula
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical actuators with an electrostatic actuation system. electrodes are positioned within the cannula to apply electrostatic forces directly to the optical fiber, eliminating the need for traditional mechanical scanning mechanisms. This substitution reduces device complexity while maintaining fiber scanning capability within the constrained cannula space
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the actuation mechanism from mechanical to electrostatic by applying voltage parameters to electrodes. This parameter change enables compact actuation within the small cannula volume, as electrostatic fields can be generated with minimal physical space compared to mechanical actuators
2Length of moving object
If the cannula length and diameter are kept small for ophthalmic imaging, then the probe is minimally invasive, but the available space for actuators is severely limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes mechanical actuators with electrostatic actuation, enabling compact probe design. The electrostatic field generation requires minimal space compared to mechanical components, allowing the cannula to maintain small dimensions for minimal invasiveness while still providing actuation capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from mechanical actuation in three-dimensional space to electrostatic field actuation that can be implemented with planar or linear electrode arrangements. This dimensional simplification allows effective actuation within the constrained one-dimensional space of the narrow cannula
3Ease of operation
If complex actuators are used to enable fiber motion within the probe, then scanning capability is improved, but manufacturing cost increases and disposable use becomes less feasible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive mechanical actuators with simple electrostatic electrodes that can be manufactured using standard fabrication techniques. This substitution significantly reduces manufacturing cost while maintaining scanning capability, making disposable probe design economically feasible
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs the probe with a simplified electrostatic actuation system that enables disposable use. The low-cost electrode structure can be easily manufactured and discarded after single use, eliminating the need for expensive, complex mechanical actuators that would be difficult to dispose of economically
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 efficient and cost-effective motion of the optical fiber within the probe, facilitating high-resolution ophthalmic imaging while allowing for the production of disposable OCT probes with enhanced scanning capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
an actuator system configured to impart motion to the optical fiber, the actuator system including an electrode positioned within the cannula and configured to impart motion to the optical fiber by selectively imparting an electric charge to at least one of the electrode and the electrically conductive layer of the optical fiber
Data Source
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AI summary
Devices, systems, and methods that utilize at least one charged electrode to impart motion to an optical fiber positioned within an imaging probe by an electrostatic force are provided. In some embodiments, an ophthalmic imaging probe can include a handle; a cannula coupled to the handle; an optical fiber positioned at least partially within the handle and the cannula, the optical fiber configured to receive an imaging light from an imaging light source and guide the imaging light to an optical element positioned within the cannula; and an actuator system configured to impart motion to the optical fiber, the actuator system including an electrode positioned within the cannula and configured to impart motion to the optical fiber by selectively imparting an electric charge to the electrode and/or the electrically conductive layer of the optical fiber.