Variable-Cross-Section Glass Waveguide for Compact Light Delivery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dental light-curing devices using fiber optics require large light guides to deliver sufficient light intensity, which are inconvenient for patients and difficult to maneuver, and existing methods for producing tapered optical fibers are inefficient in maintaining light concentration and ease of handling.
Innovation Solution
The production of tapered optical fibers with a dumbbell-shaped cross-section, featuring two end sections with a larger cross-sectional area and a central section with a smaller area, allowing for continuous cross-sectional change, is achieved through controlled heating and stretching of a glass rod using localized heating and precise velocity profiles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If large light guides are used to deliver sufficient light intensity, then light delivery capability is improved, but instrument size and maneuverability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The optical fiber is segmented into multiple cross-sectional regions along its length, with each section having a different cross-sectional area. The proximal section has a larger cross-section for light coupling, the intermediate section tapers to a smaller cross-section for maneuverability, and the distal section maintains the smaller cross-section for insertion. This segmentation allows the fiber to deliver sufficient light while being easy to maneuver in the oral cavity.
2Shape
If tapered optical fibers are produced by conventional heating and stretching, then fiber tapering is achieved, but light concentration and handling ease deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The heating and stretching process is applied locally to specific sections of the glass rod rather than uniformly throughout. The intermediate section is selectively heated and stretched to create the tapered transition, while the proximal and distal sections maintain their original dimensions. This local quality approach creates the desired tapering while preserving handling ease in the uniform sections.
3Shape
If the glass rod is heated and stretched to form tapered fibers, then fiber shape is improved, but manufacturing precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The glass rod is pre-formed with a specific geometry before the heating and stretching process. The rod includes a proximal section, an intermediate section, and a distal section with predetermined dimensions. This preliminary action ensures that when the intermediate section is heated and stretched, the resulting tapered fiber maintains precise cross-sectional uniformity in the proximal and distal sections while achieving the desired tapering shape.
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 method enhances light concentration and ease of handling, reducing the size and complexity of dental instruments while maintaining effective light delivery, improving maneuverability and hygiene.
Implementation Method 1
a longitudinal section is illuminated by a light source until the glass softens
Implementation Method 2
The glass element is produced by drawing. The shape of the glass element is thus achieved by hot forming
Implementation Method 3
The glass element has a second, central longitudinal section located between the first longitudinal sections, with a second cross-sectional area that is smaller than the first cross-sectional area
Data Source
Figure 1~4
Figure 5
Figure 6
AI summary
The invention relates to a drawn glass element (2) for producing glass optical waveguides (1), comprising - two first length portions (5, 7) which have a first cross-sectional area and which form the two ends of the glass element (2), - a second, central length portion (9) which is situated between the first length portions (5, 7) and which has a second cross-sectional area smaller than the first cross-sectional area of the first length portions (5, 7), and two transition portions (11, 13) in each case between the central length portion (9) and the first length portions (5, 7), wherein the cross-sectional area of the glass element continuously varies, and transitions from the first cross-sectional area into the second cross-sectional area, along the transition portions (11, 13).