Endoscope Light Source Unit with Removable Optical Conversion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing light source apparatuses for observation, such as endoscopes, require multiple units with laser light sources, light guides, and wavelength conversion members to achieve desired light types, which is impractical due to cost, storage, and space constraints.
Innovation Solution
A light source system comprising a primary light source unit with a connection portion for attaching and removing optical conversion units, allowing various types of light to be generated by combining different optical conversion units with the primary light source unit, reducing the need for multiple units.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple units with laser light sources, light guides, and wavelength conversion members are prepared to achieve various light types, then the variety of light types is improved, but the device complexity, cost, and storage requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into a light source unit and separate optical conversion units that can be independently prepared and combined. This segmentation allows the light source unit to remain simple while achieving versatility through combination with different optical conversion units, each designed for specific wavelength conversions.
Solution Approach 2:
The light source unit is designed with a universal connection portion that can interface with multiple types of optical conversion units. This multi-functionality allows a single light source unit to generate various light types by simply changing the attached optical conversion unit, eliminating the need for multiple complete light source apparatuses.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple units with laser light sources, light guides, and wavelength conversion members are prepared to achieve various light types, then the variety of light types is improved, but the cost and storage requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the system into reusable light source unit and specialized optical conversion units, the total quantity of components is reduced. The light source unit and light guides are shared across multiple configurations, and only the optical conversion units need to be stored for different light type requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The universal connection portion enables one light source unit to serve multiple functions by interfacing with different optical conversion units. This reduces the number of complete units that would otherwise be needed, lowering both component quantity and storage requirements while maintaining versatility.
3Device complexity
If a single light source unit with replaceable optical conversion units is used, then the device complexity and component quantity are reduced, but the ease of operation for changing light types may be affected
Solution Approach 1:
The connection portion is designed to enable dynamic attachment and detachment of optical conversion units. This dynamic interface allows quick changing of light types by simply connecting or disconnecting units, making the operation as easy as changing light bulbs while maintaining reduced system 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
Enables efficient generation of various light types using a reduced number of components, improving flexibility and space efficiency in light source systems, particularly in applications like endoscopes.
Implementation Method 1
an optical conversion unit (12-1, 12-2, 12-3) which has a conversion function of converting a wavelength of light
Implementation Method 2
an optical conversion element configured to convert optical properties of the primary light to generate secondary light
Data Source
AI summary
A light source unit includes a primary light source configured to emit primary light, and a connection portion provided on an optical path of the primary light and to and from which an optical conversion unit is attachable and removable, the optical conversion unit including an optical conversion element configured to convert optical properties of the primary light to generate secondary light.