Endoscope Light Source Device Mechanics Substitution

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing endoscope light source devices are bulky and complex due to the need for a sliding mechanism to switch between white light and special light for improved lesion visibility, which complicates the device design.

Innovation Solution

A compact light source device utilizing a first and second semiconductor light source, along with a wavelength converter, allows for switching between white light and special light without a movable mechanism by using semiconductor lasers and a phosphor unit to emit light in specific wavelength ranges, enabling efficient color switching.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a sliding mechanism is used to switch between white light and special light, then light color switching is achieved, but device complexity and size increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelight color switching capabilityVSAvoidmechanism complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical sliding mechanism with an optical system using beam splitters and mirrors. The light source emits both white light and special light simultaneously, and the beam splitter separates these wavelengths to different output paths, achieving light color switching without any moving mechanical parts.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments the light path into different wavelength channels using beam splitters. The white light and special light are separated by wavelength, with each wavelength range directed to its own optical path through selective reflection and transmission by the beam splitter and mirrors.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If a sliding mechanism is used to switch between white light and special light, then light color switching is achieved, but device size increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelight color switching capabilityVSAvoiddevice volume

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent eliminates the need for a sliding mechanism by using stationary optical components (beam splitters and mirrors) to achieve light color switching. This substitution of mechanical systems with optical systems significantly reduces the device volume while maintaining the light color switching capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Adaptability or versatility

If a sliding mechanism is used to switch between white light and special light, then light color switching is achieved, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelight color switching capabilityVSAvoiddevice manufacturing ease

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the complex mechanical sliding mechanism with stationary optical components, which are easier to manufacture and assemble. The beam splitters and mirrors can be precisely positioned and fixed, eliminating the need for precision mechanical guides, motors, and control systems required for sliding mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 provides a compact and simplified light source device capable of switching between white light and special light, enhancing visibility for lesions without the need for a sliding mechanism, making it suitable for downsizing and improved performance in endoscope applications.

Implementation Method 1

The wavelength converter absorbs the light in the first wavelength range to emit light in a third wavelength range

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAbsorption (EM radiation): Absorption (EM radiation)

Implementation Method 2

The wavelength converter absorbs the light in the first wavelength range to emit light in a third wavelength range different from either of the first wavelength range and the second wavelength range

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFluorescence: Fluorescence

Data Source

PatentUS10801677B2Light source device and endoscope apparatus comprising the same

Publication Date: 2020.10.13 OLYMPUS CORPORATION(JP)

AI summary

A light source device includes a first semiconductor light source, a second semiconductor light source, and a wavelength converter. The first semiconductor light source emits light in a first wavelength range. The second semiconductor light source emits light in a second wavelength range different from the first wavelength range. The wavelength converter absorbs the light in the first wavelength range to emit light in a third wavelength range different from either of the first wavelength range and the second wavelength range, and transmits the light in the second wavelength range substantially entirely.