Ferrofluid Actuator for OCT Probe Fiber Scanning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional OCT probes face challenges in moving optical fibers within a small cannula for ophthalmic imaging due to limited space, which restricts actuator options and increases manufacturing complexity, making it difficult to achieve repeatable motion and cost-effective production.
Innovation Solution
The use of a ferrofluid-impregnated medium and an electrically energizable coil within the OCT probe to impart motion to the optical fiber, allowing for amplified movement and reduced mechanical complexity, enabling effective scanning within the limited space and facilitating cost-effective manufacturing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional actuators are used to move the optical fiber within the cannula, then the fiber can be scanned across the tissue, but the limited space within the cannula makes it difficult to implement and the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional mechanical actuators with a magnetic actuation system. A magnetic coil generates a magnetic field that acts on ferromagnetic material (such as a ferromagnetic ring or ferrofluid) to move the optical fiber. This substitution eliminates complex mechanical linkages, reducing the number of moving parts and simplifying the overall actuator implementation within the constrained cannula space.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces ferromagnetic material as an intermediary between the magnetic coil and the optical fiber. The ferromagnetic ring or ferrofluid serves as a mediator that converts magnetic field energy into mechanical motion, which then drives the optical fiber scanning. This intermediary approach allows for simplified actuator design while achieving the desired fiber movement.
2Measurement precision
If the cannula diameter is reduced to match the small eye anatomy, then better imaging can be achieved, but the available space for moving the fiber back and forth is significantly limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical push-pull actuators with magnetic field-based actuation. The magnetic coil can generate sufficient force to move the optical fiber through the narrow cannula diameter without requiring large mechanical travel distances. The magnetic field penetrates the small space effectively, enabling fiber scanning within the constrained dimensions required for ophthalmic imaging.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the actuation mechanism from mechanical force to magnetic field interaction. This parameter change allows the system to operate effectively within the reduced cannula diameter. The magnetic field can be tuned to provide appropriate force levels for fiber movement without requiring the physical space that would be needed for conventional mechanical actuators.
3Ease of manufacture
If disposable, one-time use probes are manufactured, then cost-effectiveness and ease of sterilization are improved, but manufacturing precision and repeatability become more difficult to achieve
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical actuators with magnetic field-based systems that can be more easily integrated into disposable probes. The magnetic coil and ferromagnetic components can be manufactured as integrated parts of the probe assembly, simplifying the manufacturing process for single-use devices while maintaining actuation precision through electromagnetic field control rather than complex mechanical tolerances.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from mechanical actuation requiring precise mechanical tolerances to magnetic field actuation where precision is achieved through electrical control parameters. This allows for easier manufacturing of disposable probes, as the magnetic field strength and distribution can be controlled through electrical parameters rather than requiring extremely tight mechanical tolerances on moving parts.
Data Source
AI summary
Devices, systems, and methods that utilize a ferrofluid-impregnated medium to impart motion to an optical fiber positioned within an imaging probe are provided. In some embodiments, an ophthalmic imaging probe can include a housing having a proximal portion and a distal portion; an optical fiber positioned within the housing, the optical fiber configured to receive an imaging light from an imaging light source and guide the imaging light to an optical element positioned within the distal portion of the housing; and an actuator system configured to impart motion to the optical fiber, the actuator system including a ferrofluid-impregnated medium (FIM) and an electrically energizable coil positioned within the housing.