Endoscope Illumination Lens System for Uniform Light Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Endoscopes with existing illumination optical systems suffer from concentrated light intensity distribution at the emission end, leading to potential coagulation of substances in the body, such as blood, due to peak light density, which necessitates reducing illumination light intensity, resulting in insufficient brightness for observation.
Innovation Solution
The endoscope design incorporates an illumination optical system with specific lens configurations, including a first and second lens with defined diameter and curvature radius ratios, and an optical element with a light reflection function, to distribute light intensity more evenly and prevent coagulation, while maintaining sufficient brightness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If the amount of illumination light is increased to improve observation brightness, then the brightness for observation is improved, but the peak value of light density increases causing coagulation of substances in the living body
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating a non-uniform light intensity distribution across the illumination area. Specifically, the light intensity is designed to be lower at the center and higher at the periphery, which redistributes the total light energy to avoid concentrated peak intensity that causes coagulation, while still providing sufficient overall brightness for observation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of light intensity distribution from a conventional uniform or centrally-concentrated pattern to a periphery-enhanced distribution pattern. This is achieved by adjusting the optical system parameters (such as lens positioning and illumination angle) to modify how light is distributed across the observation field, thereby reducing peak intensity while maintaining total illumination levels.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the amount of illumination light is reduced to prevent coagulation of substances in the living body, then the coagulation resistance is improved, but the brightness for observation becomes insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating a non-uniform light intensity distribution across the illumination area. Specifically, the light intensity is designed to be lower at the center and higher at the periphery, which redistributes the total light energy to avoid concentrated peak intensity that causes coagulation, while still providing sufficient overall brightness for observation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of light intensity distribution from a conventional uniform or centrally-concentrated pattern to a periphery-enhanced distribution pattern. This is achieved by adjusting the optical system parameters (such as lens positioning and illumination angle) to modify how light is distributed across the observation field, thereby reducing peak intensity while maintaining total illumination levels.
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 reduces the peak light intensity value, enhancing coagulation resistance and ensuring sufficient illumination without decreasing the amount of guided light, thereby improving observation quality.
Implementation Method 1
an optical element having a light reflection function is disposed between the light guide and the first lens
Implementation Method 2
the illumination optical system includes a first lens and a second lens... The first lens is located on a distal end side of the light guide
Data Source
AI summary
An illumination optical system that transmits illumination light from a light source via a light guide to a distal end portion of an insertion part to irradiate an observation site from the distal end portion with the illumination light is provided. The illumination optical system includes a first lens located on a distal end side of the light guide and a second lens disposed on a distal end side of the first lens while holding a constant distance interval. An outer diameter of the second lens is larger than an outer diameter of the first lens and is 2.1 mm or more and 3.0 mm or less.