Endoscope Optical Connection Module with Ferrule Scatterer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Endoscope light source devices using semiconductor laser diodes face challenges in maintaining consistent illumination due to temperature-dependent light quantity changes, requiring real-time detection and control, and existing optical power monitor devices are inefficient in handling varying light quantities, especially with different light-receiving element arrangements.
Innovation Solution
An optical connection module incorporating a ferrule with a scatterer that scatters a portion of the emitted light from the light source, allowing an optical sensor to receive scattered light for accurate light quantity detection, which is then used to control the light source, ensuring consistent illumination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a light-receiving element is used to detect light quantity, then light quantity detection is enabled, but the absolute value of light quantity received changes largely depending on the arrangement position of the light-receiving element
Solution Approach 1:
A light-guiding member (optical fiber or waveguide) is introduced as an intermediary between the light source and the light-receiving element. The light-guiding member guides a portion of the emitted light to the light-receiving element, enabling stable light quantity detection that is independent of the light-receiving element's arrangement position relative to the light source.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical system is segmented into distinct functional components: the light source, the light-guiding member, and the light-receiving element. This segmentation allows the light-guiding member to be positioned optimally for guiding light from the source to the receiver, while the light-receiving element can be positioned independently for stable detection, resolving the position dependence issue.
2Power
If semiconductor laser diodes are used as light sources, then compact and efficient illumination is achieved, but light quantity changes in accordance with temperature making consistent illumination difficult to maintain
Solution Approach 1:
A feedback control system is implemented where the light-receiving element continuously detects the light quantity emitted by the semiconductor laser diode, and based on this detection, the driving signal to the light source is adjusted. This closed-loop feedback maintains stable light quantity despite temperature variations, resolving the consistency issue while preserving the high efficiency of semiconductor lasers.
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 enables precise detection and control of light quantity, maintaining appropriate brightness in endoscope images by minimizing light quantity dependence on the optical sensor's arrangement position, thus improving the reliability and efficiency of illumination.
Implementation Method 1
the ferrule including a scatterer configured to scatter, in an inside of the ferrule, a part of the emitted light incident on the ferrule end surface
Data Source
AI summary
An optical connection module for an endoscope includes: an optical fiber having a fiber end surface and configured to guide a part of emitted light emitted from a light source and incident on the fiber end surface; a ferrule having a ferrule end surface with an opening of a through-hole into which the optical fiber is inserted, the ferrule including a scatterer configured to scatter, in an inside of the ferrule, a part of the emitted light incident on the ferrule end surface, the ferrule being configured to emit scattered light generated by scattering from a side surface; and an optical sensor arranged in the periphery of the side surface of the ferrule and configured to receive the scattered light.