Fiber Probe Connector With Conical Positioning Cam
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current fiber bundle connectors for light injection modules in imaging systems suffer from low positioning accuracy, repeatability issues, and vulnerability to shocks and vibrations, making them unsuitable for medical environments where quick and precise setup is required.
Innovation Solution
A connector system featuring a tightening cam with a spring mechanism and locking device that securely attaches the fiber bundle probe to the light injection module, ensuring precise alignment and resistance to mechanical stress, allowing for easy and intuitive positioning and repeated use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If standard connectors (FC/PC or SMA) are used between fiber bundle and light injection module, then the connector can be easily manufactured and assembled, but the positioning accuracy deteriorates with about 15 μm displacement due to thread specification
Solution Approach 1:
A positioning element with a conical external surface is introduced as an intermediary component between the fiber bundle connector and the light injection module. This conical interface mediates the connection, providing precise positioning through its geometric shape while allowing standard threaded connectors to remain for assembly. The conical surface ensures accurate alignment without requiring complex positioning mechanisms.
2Manufacturing precision
If manual refocusing and repositioning are performed to compensate for connector displacement, then positioning accuracy can be improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates requiring skilled professionals and increasing setup time
Solution Approach 1:
The conical positioning element performs the positioning action preliminarily and automatically upon connection, before any manual adjustment is needed. The geometry of the conical surface inherently ensures correct alignment when the connectors are assembled, eliminating the need for subsequent manual refocusing and repositioning operations by skilled professionals.
3Reliability
If standard threaded connectors are used, then the device can be easily assembled, but the reliability deteriorates due to vulnerability to shocks and vibrations and risk of scratching the fiber bundle proximal face
Solution Approach 1:
The conical positioning element provides beforehand protection by establishing a stable, precision-fit interface that resists shocks and vibrations before they occur. The geometric interference fit created by the conical surfaces cushions against mechanical disturbances, preventing the fiber bundle proximal face from being scratched while maintaining ease of assembly through the threaded connector interface.
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 connector system enhances positioning accuracy and repeatability while providing mechanical resistance to shocks and vibrations, ensuring reliable operation and minimizing the need for frequent recalibration in medical imaging applications.
Implementation Method 1
The connector may include at least one spring extending between the tightening cam and the cam driving, wherein the at least one spring is configured to resist when the cam driving is actuated by rotation
Data Source
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AI summary
A connector to connect a fiber bundle probe to a light injection module including a tightening cam having an opening of a specified shape adapted to receive the fiber bundle probe, a cam driving coupled to the tightening cam, wherein the tightening cam is configured to translate in response to rotation of the cam driving until the tightening cam is blocked, at least one spring extending between the tightening cam and the cam driving, wherein the at least one spring is configured to resist when the cam driving is actuated by rotation and the tightening cam is blocked, and a locking mechanism to lock the cam driving into a selected position.