Elliptical Light Guide for Tubular Observation Device Layout Efficiency
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing thin tubular light sources face challenges in maximizing layout efficiency due to the formation of dead space and wasteful space at the distal end portion, which compromises the arrangement of functional units and illumination units.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a primary light source unit and a light converting unit, where the primary light source emits light that is guided through optical fibers and converted by a wavelength converting member to produce secondary light, with the secondary light emitting portion having an elliptical shape that optimally fills the available space, reducing dead space and enhancing layout efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If circular-shaped light guide and illumination unit are used to match the emitting shape of primary light, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but dead space is formed and layout efficiency is decreased in the distal end portion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by changing the light guide cross-sectional shape from circular to elliptical, and the distal end portion from circular to rectangular. This asymmetric design allows the illumination unit to better fit within the available space, eliminating dead space and improving layout efficiency while maintaining manufacturing feasibility.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple functional units and illumination units are arranged in the distal end portion, then the device functionality is enhanced, but the formation of dead space increases and layout efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the light guide and distal end portion into an integrated structure where the elliptical light guide seamlessly connects to the rectangular distal end portion. This merging eliminates unnecessary interfaces and dead spaces, allowing multiple functional units and illumination units to be arranged more efficiently while maintaining enhanced device functionality.
3Device complexity
If the secondary light emitting portion has a circular shape, then the optical path is simple, but the space utilization in the distal end portion is inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by designing the secondary light emitting portion with an elliptical cross-section that matches the light guide shape, rather than a circular shape. This asymmetric design optimizes space utilization in the rectangular distal end portion, allowing better arrangement of functional units while maintaining a relatively simple optical path through the elliptical geometry.
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 configuration allows for improved layout efficiency by eliminating wasteful space and ensuring uniform illumination, while also dispersing heat generation and enhancing the brightness of the secondary light emitted.
Implementation Method 1
The wavelength converting member has one or more kinds of fluorescent substances. The fluorescent substance absorbs the primary light emitted from the first semiconductor laser light source, converts the wavelength thereof, and radiates light having a wavelength region longer than that of the primary light.
Implementation Method 2
In the section of the light guide, the refractive index in the center is higher than the refractive index in the peripheral portion. The light guide guides the primary light emitted from the first semiconductor laser light source to the wavelength converting member.
Data Source
AI summary
A light source device includes a primary light source unit and a light converting unit. The primary light source unit includes a primary light emitting portion. The light converting unit includes a light converting member and a secondary light emitting portion. In the two-dimensional shape of the secondary light emitting portion projected on a surface perpendicular to the optical axis of primary light, the length of the minimum width of the two-dimensional shape passing through the center of gravity of the two-dimensional shape is different from the length of the maximum width of the two-dimensional shape passing through the center of gravity.