Fiber Positioning Structure for Sterile Optical Calibration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for calibrating light-guiding fibers in medical apparatuses require emission openings in the positioning apparatus, which compromise sterility and increase production costs, and fail to accurately align light emission with sensors.
Innovation Solution
A positioning apparatus with a main body that transmits light from the light-guiding fiber to sensors without lateral or end openings, using a semitransparent or transparent elongate portion and rotational symmetry, along with control elements for precise alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If emission openings are provided in the positioning apparatus to allow light to pass through, then light transmission to sensors is enabled, but sterility is compromised and production costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
A transparent or semitransparent material is introduced as an intermediary between the light-guiding fiber and the external environment. This material allows light to pass through while maintaining the sterile barrier, eliminating the need for emission openings that would compromise sterility or increase manufacturing complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The optical properties of the positioning apparatus are changed by using transparent or semitransparent materials with appropriate light transmission characteristics. This parameter change enables light transmission without requiring physical openings, thus maintaining sterility and simplifying manufacturing
2Measurement precision
If lateral cutouts are provided in the positioning apparatus to detect laterally emitted light, then calibration accuracy is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning apparatus uses transparent or semitransparent materials that allow light to pass through the elongate portion. This parameter change in material optical properties enables accurate detection of laterally emitted light without requiring complex lateral cutouts or openings, thus maintaining calibration accuracy while reducing device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of creating openings to allow light through, the invention inverts the approach by making the entire elongate portion transparent or semitransparent. This inversion eliminates the need for complex opening structures while achieving the same light transmission function
3Ease of manufacture
If emission openings are provided in the elongate portion, then light transmission is enabled, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the light transmission function from the structural openings and integrates it into the material properties of the elongate portion itself. By making the material transparent or semitransparent, the separate function of emission openings is eliminated, simplifying manufacturing and reducing device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The elongate portion is designed to serve multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural support, maintains positioning, and transmits light. This multi-functionality is achieved by using transparent or semitransparent materials, eliminating the need for separate emission opening structures
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
Ensures accurate light alignment with sensors, maintains sterility, and simplifies manufacturing by eliminating the need for emission openings, reducing production costs.
Implementation Method 1
the elongate portion of the main body has a second end face, and wherein the main body comprises a channel for receiving the light-guiding fiber... the positioning apparatus is configured to transmit light from a light-guiding fiber to a sensor means without the use of an emission opening in the elongate portion of the main body
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a positioning apparatus (100) for positioning a light-guiding fiber (203), wherein the positioning apparatus (100) comprises a main body (101) having a base portion (102) and an elongate portion (103), wherein the base portion (102) of the main body (101) has a first end face (104) and wherein the elongate portion (103) of the main body (101) has a second end face (105), and wherein the main body (101) comprises a channel (106) for receiving the light-guiding fiber (203), the channel (106) extending along a longitudinal axis (A) of the main body (101) from the first end face (104) through the base portion (102) and at least partly through the elongate portion (103). The positioning apparatus (100) is characterized in that the positioning apparatus (100) is configured to transmit light from a light-guiding fiber (203) to a sensor means without the use of an emission opening in the elongate portion (103) of the main body (101). A further aspect of the invention relates to a system (200) comprising said apparatus (100).