Optical Fiber Reconnection Using Outer-Core Rotational Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for reconnecting optical fibers in optical shape sensing systems, particularly for back-loadable guidewires, require time-consuming re-registration processes due to uncertainties in rotational alignment, which can delay medical procedures.
Innovation Solution
A method that optically interrogates the outer cores of the fibers to determine the relative rotational angle and corrects the registered connection orientation, eliminating the need for re-registration by aligning the fibers based on optical measurements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional reconnection methods are used for back-loadable guidewires, then fiber alignment can be achieved, but time-consuming re-registration is required due to rotational alignment uncertainty
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-registering the optical fiber sensor to the coordinate system before disconnection. The system stores the registered connection orientation and relative rotational angle data before the guidewire is disconnected, allowing rapid reconnection without time-consuming re-registration procedures. This pre-captured alignment information is reused during reconnection to maintain precision while eliminating time loss.
2Measurement precision
If robust connector keys are used to define angular alignment, then fiber alignment is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase for back-loadable guidewires
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical connector key system with an optical measurement and correction system. Instead of using physical mechanical features to define angular alignment, the system uses optical interrogation to measure the relative rotational angle between fiber end sections and applies software-based correction to the registered connection orientation. This substitution eliminates complex mechanical structures while maintaining alignment precision.
3Reliability
If multiple outer cores are aligned in a mating sleeve, then functional connection is achieved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase for low-tolerance elements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies feedback by optically interrogating the outer cores of the first and second fibers through the current connection position to receive optical signals. The system measures the actual alignment state and uses this feedback to modify the registered connection orientation, correcting for any misalignment. This feedback mechanism ensures reliable functional connection while reducing the stringency of manufacturing precision requirements for the mating sleeve.
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
Enables precise reconnection of optical fibers without re-registration, facilitating faster and more accurate alignment, suitable for back-loadable guidewires, thereby reducing procedural delays.
Implementation Method 1
optically interrogating the outer cores of the first and second fibers through the current connection position to receive optical signals from the outer cores
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a method of re-connecting a first optical fiber (12) with a second optical fiber (34), the first fiber (12) and the second fiber (34) each having a plurality of outer cores, comprising: (a) positioning a first end section of the first fiber (12) and a second end section of the second fiber (34) in proximity so as to be aligned with one another along a longitudinal axis of the first and second end sections in a current connection position including a current connection orientation, in which a current relative rotational angle between the first and second end sections about the longitudinal axis is not known with respect to a relative rotational angle between the first and second end sections in a registered connection orientation determined with respect to a coordinate system during a previous connection of the first fiber (12) with the second fiber (34); (b) optically interrogating the outer cores of the first and second fibers (12, 34) through the current connection position to receive optical signals from the outer cores; (c) modifying, from the optical interrogation of the outer cores, the registered connection orientation such that the first and second fibers in the current connection orientation including the current relative rotational angle between the first and second end sections about the longitudinal axis are correctly registered with respect to the coordinate system.