Forward Viewing OCT Probe Lens Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current optical coherence tomography (OCT) probes face limitations in clinical applications due to their design, which restricts their ability to provide forward imaging while maintaining a small diameter and flexibility, essential for navigating through tissues. Additionally, forward-imaging probes are complex and costly, making them unsuitable for single-use medical devices.
Innovation Solution
The optical probe assembly features a lens assembly with a forward-facing exit window and a convex exit lens that extends from the periphery and terminates partway across the exit window. The convex exit surface is tilted inwardly, allowing the light to be bent and focused outwardly at an angle, enabling forward imaging while maintaining a compact design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If forward-imaging probes are designed with actuation within or close to the probe tip, then forward imaging capability is improved, but device complexity and diameter increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the spatial arrangement by moving the light source and detector to the proximal end rather than the distal tip, and uses a rotatable lens assembly to achieve forward imaging. This dimensional reconfiguration allows forward imaging capability without requiring complex actuation mechanisms at the probe tip, thus reducing overall device complexity while maintaining the desired imaging function.
2Adaptability or versatility
If forward-imaging probes are designed with actuation within or close to the probe tip, then forward imaging capability is improved, but probe diameter increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent reconfigures the optical path by placing the light source and detector at the proximal end and using a rotatable lens assembly at the distal end. This allows the probe to maintain a small diameter suitable for navigating body cavities while still achieving forward imaging capability through the rotated lens mechanism rather than requiring larger components at the tip.
3Ease of operation
If side-imaging probes are used with scanning on the proximal end, then flexibility and small diameter are improved, but forward imaging capability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a multi-functional probe that combines the flexibility and small diameter of side-imaging probes with the forward imaging capability of forward-imaging probes. By incorporating a rotatable lens assembly that can be rotated to different angles, the probe can perform both side imaging and forward imaging functions, making it universally applicable to various clinical scenarios while maintaining the flexibility needed for navigation.
4Adaptability or versatility
If forward-imaging probes are designed with complex components, then forward imaging capability is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent reduces manufacturing cost by reconfiguring the optical system to place simple, inexpensive components at the proximal end where they can be easily manufactured and assembled, rather than requiring complex precision components at the distal tip. The rotatable lens assembly uses standard optical components that can be manufactured cost-effectively, making the overall probe suitable for single-use applications while maintaining forward imaging capability.
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 design enables the creation of a minimally invasive OCT probe that can image structures forward of the probe, allowing for detection of fragile tissues and surgical guidance without the need for complex and costly components, making it suitable for single-use medical devices.
Implementation Method 1
The exit lens can bend light received from the optical fiber forwardly out of the exit window at an outward angle relative to the central axis
Implementation Method 2
The exit lens can bend light received from the optical fiber forwardly out of the exit window at an outward angle relative to the central axis
Data Source
AI summary
An optical probe assembly including a lens assembly extending along a central axis for optically coupling to an optical fiber. The lens assembly can have a forward facing exit window. The exit window can have an exit lens with a convex exit surface. The exit lens can extend from a periphery of the exit window and terminate partway across the exit window. The convex exit surface of the exit lens can be tilted inwardly relative to the central axis. The exit lens can bend light received from the optical fiber forwardly out of the exit window at an outward angle relative to the central axis.