Fiber Optic Connector Datum Surface Alignment Heat Sink

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Solution Overview

Problem

Efficient and reliable illumination in ophthalmic surgery, particularly for vitreoretinal surgery, is hindered by challenges in coupling light from a surgical console into a fiber optic and dissipating heat generated within the fiber optic.

Innovation Solution

The solution involves a fiber optic connector with a datum surface for precise alignment and positioning of the fiber optic's proximal end within the surgical console, a heat sink for heat management, and a shutter actuation mechanism to control light transmission, along with a visual indicator for secure connection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Temperature

If a metallic heat sink is used as a connector to dissipate heat, then heat dissipation is improved, but light coupling precision deteriorates due to alignment difficulties

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveheat dissipationVSAvoidlight coupling precision

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The connector is divided into separate functional components: a heat sink portion for thermal management and a connector portion with datum surfaces for precise alignment. This segmentation allows each component to optimize its specific function without compromising the other.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Datum surfaces are introduced as intermediary reference features between the connector and console. These surfaces serve as mediators that establish precise geometric relationships, enabling accurate light coupling while accommodating the heat sink's thermal management requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If friction retention is used to retain the heat sink in the console port, then connection simplicity is improved, but connection reliability deteriorates due to potential misalignment

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection simplicityVSAvoidconnection reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The connector design incorporates self-aligning features through datum surfaces that automatically guide proper positioning during insertion. The friction retention mechanism works in conjunction with these self-aligning features to maintain both simplicity and reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The datum surfaces are pre-configured with specific geometric relationships that establish correct alignment before the connection is fully secured. This preliminary alignment action ensures proper positioning is achieved during the insertion process itself.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Adaptability or versatility

If manual alignment procedures are used to position the fiber optic end, then adaptability is improved, but time consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvealignment adaptabilityVSAvoidalignment time

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

Manual alignment procedures are replaced with a mechanical datum surface system that provides automatic alignment. The geometric datum surfaces substitute for operator skill and manual adjustment, delivering consistent positioning without time loss.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The alignment process transitions from variable manual adjustment to fixed geometric parameters defined by the datum surfaces. This parameter change from operational flexibility to predetermined geometric relationships eliminates alignment time while maintaining adaptability through the connector design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 ensures consistent and efficient light coupling, effective heat dissipation, and easy connection of the illumination device, enhancing surgical illumination and reducing manual errors.

Implementation Method 1

a need to appropriately dissipate heat generated in the fiber optic when the fiber is exposed to the intense light provided by the source

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Implementation Method 2

The fiber optic acts as a conduit to deliver the light to a surgical handpiece and into patients' eyes

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOptical conduction: Optical Fibre

Data Source

PatentEP2473128B2Illumination device for use in an ophthalmic surgical apparatus

Publication Date: 2019.03.13 BAUSCH & LOMB INC

Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2
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AI summary

An illumination device (10) for use in an ophthalmic surgical apparatus, the illumination device including a fiber optic (20) having a proximal end (22) and a connector (15) coupled to the fiber optic. The connector includes one or more of (1 ) a datum surface (25) disposed a predetermined distance from the proximal end to position the proximal end at a predetermined location within the surgical apparatus, (2) a shutter actuation surface (45) configured and arranged to open a shutter in the surgical apparatus when the connector is being connected to the surgical apparatus, and (3) a visual indicator (60) position to provides a visual indication that the connector is fully inserted into the surgical apparatus. The illumination device may be in a combination with an ophthalmic surgical apparatus.