Endoscope Optical Connector With Replaceable Ferrule
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical connectors for endoscopes face issues with maintaining a consistent sealing state during connection and disconnection, leading to potential damage from foreign objects and deterioration of optical coupling efficiency.
Innovation Solution
The optical connector design incorporates a first and second holding member, a replaceable replacement member, and a positioning mechanism to ensure optical coupling between waveguides, with the replacement members being attached to the holding members to maintain a sealing state and prevent foreign object entry.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of repair
If the ends of optical fibers are exposed in a normal state for easy replacement, then the ease of repair is improved, but the sealing performance deteriorates leading to potential damage from foreign objects
Solution Approach 1:
A replacement ferrule is introduced as an intermediary component between the optical fiber and the connector body. The replacement ferrule can be easily detached and replaced, while the original ferrule remains protected inside the connector body, maintaining sealing performance and preventing foreign object damage to the optical fiber end face.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector is divided into separate functional components: the original ferrule held by the spring mechanism inside the connector body, and the replacement ferrule that can be independently attached and detached. This segmentation allows the replacement ferrule to provide easy repairability while the original ferrule maintains the sealing state.
2Reliability
If a spring mechanism is used to press the original ferrule for maintaining optical coupling, then the reliability of optical coupling is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The spring mechanism automatically presses the original ferrule against the replacement ferrule to maintain optical coupling without requiring external control or adjustment. The spring provides continuous contact force, ensuring reliable optical coupling while the system self-regulates during connection and disconnection operations.
3Ease of operation
If the replacement ferrule bumps into the exterior during disconnection for easy replacement, then the ease of operation is improved, but the sealing performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The replacement ferrule serves as a mediator that absorbs the mechanical impact during disconnection operations. It bumps against the exterior of the connector body, providing easy visual and tactile indication for disconnection, while the optical fiber end face remains protected inside the sealed connector body.
Data Source
AI summary
An optical connector for an endoscope has a first holding member which holds a first waveguide therein, a second holding member which holds a second waveguide therein and replaceable replacement members which intervenes between the first holding member and the second holding member so that replacement waveguides intervenes between the waveguides and is optically coupled to the waveguides. The optical connector has attachment members and a positioning mechanism which positions the holding members and the replacement members relative to one another.