Endoscope Illumination Using Fluorescent Conversion and Feedback Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Endoscope apparatuses face challenges in efficiently illuminating inspection spaces with low power consumption while maintaining effective light detection and adaptive control for varying conditions, particularly when the tip-end section or optical fibers are compromised.
Innovation Solution
The endoscope apparatus incorporates a laser diode as a light source, a fluorescent member, a light guide, a light branching member, and an optical sensor to convert blue laser light into white light for illumination and detect light levels, allowing for adaptive control of light emission based on detected luminance, thereby ensuring continuous observation and preventing glare during maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If a halogen lamp or xenon lamp is used as a light source, then high illumination intensity is achieved, but power consumption increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the fundamental parameters of the light source from traditional high-power lamps to a combination of blue LED and yellow phosphor materials. This parameter change in light-emitting technology achieves comparable illumination intensity while dramatically reducing power consumption and extending operational life.
2Ease of repair
If the tip-end section or optical fibers are removed for maintenance, then the device can be repaired, but light transmission is interrupted and observation cannot continue
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a photodetector that provides real-time feedback on light transmission status. This feedback mechanism monitors the optical path continuously, enabling the system to detect issues and maintain operational awareness without interrupting the observation function.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-diagnosis through the photodetector monitoring the light path. By continuously checking light transmission and providing feedback, the system can identify maintenance needs without external intervention or interruption of the primary observation function.
3Use of energy by moving object
If a blue LED with yellow phosphor is used to generate white light, then power consumption is reduced, but the light output characteristics differ from traditional lamps
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs composite materials combining blue LED chips with yellow phosphor substances. This composite approach leverages the advantages of both components: the energy efficiency and longevity of LEDs combined with the light-conversion properties of phosphor materials, achieving balanced illumination characteristics with reduced power consumption.
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 enables efficient illumination with low power consumption, adaptive light control, and reduced glare during maintenance, ensuring reliable observation and image quality while allowing for compact design and simplified maintenance.
Implementation Method 1
a fluorescent member provided at a tip-end of the insertion section and emitting fluorescent light with light from the light emitting device as excitation light
Implementation Method 2
a light guide provided in the insertion section and transmitting the light from the light emitting device to the fluorescent member
Implementation Method 3
an optical sensor for detecting light from the light branching member
Data Source
AI summary
This endoscope apparatus comprises an insertion section to be inserted into a space to be inspected, a light emitting device for illuminating inside of the space, a fluorescent member provided at a tip-end of the insertion section and emitting fluorescent light with light from the light emitting device as excitation light, a light guide transmitting the light from the light emitting device to the fluorescent member, a light branching member for branching a part of the fluorescent light returned from the fluorescent member, and an optical sensor for detecting light from the light branching member, and when the illumination light becomes dark due to a failure or removal of the tip-end section of the endoscope, an image with low luminance is not displayed, glare at replacement of the tip-end section can be reduced to improve workability and the diameter of the insertion section can be thinned.