Endoscopic Light Source Device Combining LED and Laser

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional light sources for endoscopic and exoscopic applications, such as halogen lamps and gas-discharge lamps, face inefficiencies in power usage, waste heat management, and modulation, while light-emitting diodes (LEDs) offer lower radiant flux and radiance, limiting the illumination power that can be coupled into fiber-optic cables for endoscopes.

Innovation Solution

A light source device combining a planar first light source, typically an LED or array of LEDs, with a point-shaped second light source, like a laser, where the cross-sectional area of the second light beam is smaller than the first, allowing for additive spectrum generation by mixing light sources within the illumination beam path.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of energy

If a white light-emitting diode is used to replace a conventional light source, then energy efficiency is improved, but radiant power in the desired narrow spectrum is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy efficiencyVSAvoidradiant power

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSPower

Solution Approach 1:

The invention segments the illumination task by using multiple LED chips with different emission spectra (first LED chip for broad spectrum, second LED chip for narrow spectrum excitation) instead of relying on a single white LED. This allows each LED to operate in its optimal efficiency range while contributing to the overall illumination power.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention merges the output of two separate LED light sources through an illumination beam path to create a combined illumination beam that possesses both the energy efficiency of LEDs and the high radiant power in the excitation spectrum needed for fluorescence imaging.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Power

If a conventional light source is used, then high radiant power is achieved, but waste heat generation increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveradiant powerVSAvoidwaste heat

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The invention uses LEDs which have longer operational lifetimes and lower maintenance requirements compared to conventional high-power light sources, reducing the need for replacement and associated waste handling.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Loss of energy

If a white light-emitting diode is used, then energy efficiency is improved, but illumination power for adequate cavity illumination is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy efficiencyVSAvoidillumination power

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSIllumination intensity

Solution Approach 1:

The illumination function is segmented between two LED chips: the first LED chip provides broad spectrum illumination for general viewing, while the second LED chip provides concentrated excitation light for fluorescence. This segmentation allows optimization of each component for its specific function while maintaining overall energy efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The illumination beams from two separate LED sources are merged in the illumination beam path to produce a combined beam that delivers sufficient illumination power for cavity viewing while maintaining LED energy efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Device complexity

If a single light source is used, then device simplicity is maintained, but spectral flexibility for different imaging modes is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice simplicityVSAvoidspectral flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The illumination device achieves multi-functionality by incorporating two LED chips with different spectral characteristics, enabling the same device to support both broad spectrum illumination for reflected light imaging and narrow band excitation for fluorescence imaging, thereby eliminating the need for separate light sources for different imaging modes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 enhances illumination power and spectral flexibility, enabling effective illumination of objects with customizable spectra for both endoscopic and exoscopic applications, including fluorescence excitation, by efficiently combining light from different sources without significant loss.

Implementation Method 1

a planar first light source, typically an LED or array of LEDs

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectroluminescence: Electroluminescence

Implementation Method 2

a point-shaped second light source, like a laser

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLaser: Laser

Implementation Method 3

A second light beam from the second light source is coupled in in a downstream section in the illumination beam path

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOptical superposition:

Data Source

PatentEP2374401B1Light source device for endoscopic or exoscopic applications

Publication Date: 2021.06.23 KARL STORZ SE & CO KG

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AI summary

The light source device (60) has a flat light source, another light source and an illumination beam path which is designed to provide a light beam for an endoscopic or exoscopic application. The light beam comes from the former light source. A coupling device is provided for coupling another light beam from the latter light source in the illumination beam path. The coupling device is formed, so that the crass section of the latter light beam is smaller than the cross section of the former light beam at the point of coupling.