Endoscope Illumination Device Light Converter Reflector
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing endoscope illumination systems face inefficiencies in converting primary light into secondary light with a different wavelength for effective illumination, leading to suboptimal light distribution and reduced illumination efficiency.
Innovation Solution
An illumination device comprising a light converter that converts primary light into secondary light with a different wavelength, a first reflector to reflect diffused secondary light back towards the light converter, and a holder to separate these components, ensuring optimal light entry and emission for enhanced illumination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a fluorescent member with high refractive index medium is used to convert primary light into secondary light, then illumination efficiency is improved, but light distribution uniformity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
A light distributing member is introduced as an intermediary between the light converter and the observation target. This member receives the light from the light converter and redistributes it uniformly in the lateral direction, acting as a mediator that transforms the concentrated light output into uniform illumination while maintaining high illumination efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The light distributing member divides the concentrated light beam from the light converter into multiple light paths and redistributes it laterally. By segmenting the light distribution function, the system achieves both high illumination efficiency (from the light converter) and uniform light distribution (from the distributing member)
2Productivity
If the fluorescent member is placed close to the optical fiber exit end portion, then illumination efficiency is improved, but risk of damage to optical fiber increases
Solution Approach 1:
The light distributing member serves as a protective intermediary that is positioned closer to the optical fiber exit end than the light converter. This member absorbs or deflects potential damage to the optical fiber while still allowing efficient light transmission to the converter, maintaining both illumination efficiency and optical fiber reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The light distributing member is designed to perform multiple functions: it distributes light uniformly, protects the optical fiber from damage, and maintains optimal spacing between components. By making the distributing member self-sufficient in handling protection and distribution, the system achieves both high efficiency and reliability
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
The solution significantly improves illumination efficiency by effectively converting and diffusing light, providing better light distribution and increased illumination intensity for observation targets, thereby enhancing the imaging capabilities of endoscope systems.
Implementation Method 1
a light converter configured to convert at least part of the primary light into secondary light having a second wavelength that differs from a first wavelength of the primary light
Implementation Method 2
diffuse the secondary light
Implementation Method 3
a first reflector configured to reflect at least part of the diffused secondary light toward the light converter
Data Source
AI summary
An illumination device includes a light converter that primary light enters and that is configured to convert at least part of the primary light into secondary light having a second wavelength that differs from a first wavelength of the primary light and to diffuse the secondary light, a first reflector configured to reflect at least part of the diffused secondary light toward the light converter, and a holder holding at least one of the first reflector and the light converter. The first reflector and the light converter are separated from each other so that the primary light transmitted through the first reflector enters the light converter.