Endoscope Light Source System with Auxiliary Optical Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing endoscope light source systems face challenges in maintaining consistent illumination due to the risk of faults in light guide members and components, leading to decreased light intensity and potential loss of illumination.
Innovation Solution
The endoscope light source system incorporates a light guide path with multiple optical fibers, an auxiliary light source module, and a light connector that optically connects auxiliary light to the primary light guide path, ensuring continuous illumination even if individual light sources or components fail, by using a light coupler and separator to combine and divide light effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single optical fiber is used as the light guide path, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability of illumination decreases due to the risk of faults in the light guide member
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the light guide path into multiple independent optical fibers instead of using a single optical fiber. This segmentation allows individual fibers to be isolated if one fails, preventing complete illumination loss and improving system reliability while maintaining manageable complexity through modular architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates redundant optical fibers and auxiliary light sources that stand by in case the primary light guide path fails. This beforehand cushioning ensures that if one optical fiber or light source fails, the system can continue operating with reduced but sufficient illumination, preventing complete system failure.
2Reliability
If multiple light sources are used, then the illumination reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional components and optical paths
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple light sources and optical fibers into a unified light guide path system where auxiliary light is merged with primary light through optical coupling. This merging approach allows multiple light sources to work together through a shared optical infrastructure, improving reliability without proportionally increasing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs the optical system with universal components that can serve multiple functions. The light guide path can transmit both primary and auxiliary light, and the optical connector can handle different light sources, allowing the same structural elements to fulfill multiple roles and reducing overall system complexity.
3Reliability
If auxiliary light is added to the light guide path, then the loss of illumination is prevented, but the manufacturing complexity increases due to additional optical connections
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a light connector as an intermediary component that facilitates the optical connection between the auxiliary light guide path and the primary light guide path. This standardized intermediary component simplifies the manufacturing and assembly process by providing a pre-engineered interface, reducing the overall manufacturing complexity despite adding functional complexity.
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 maintains consistent illumination by providing auxiliary light when primary light sources fail, reducing the risk of illumination loss and allowing for independent operation of multiple light sources to prevent intensity decreases, thus enhancing reliability and usability.
Implementation Method 1
a light guide path which is provided in the light source module and the endoscope including the insertion module, is optically connected to the light source, and guides the light-source light emitted from the light source
Implementation Method 2
a light connector which is provided on the light guide path and optically connects an auxiliary light guide path to the light guide path, such that auxiliary light is guided to the light guide path from the auxiliary light guide path which guides the auxiliary light
Data Source
AI summary
An endoscope light source system includes a light source module, an insertion module and a light guide path. The light source system further includes a light connector which is provided on the light guide path and optically connects an auxiliary light guide path to the light guide path, such that auxiliary light is guided to the light guide path from the auxiliary light guide path which guides the auxiliary light; and an irradiation module which emits at least one of light-source light which is guided by the light guide path and the auxiliary light which is guided by the light guide path, to an outside of an endoscope as illumination light, and radiates the illumination light to a to-be-illuminated part.