Peripheral Surface-Emitting Light Guide With Gradient Scattering
Solution Overview
Problem
The high cost and long processing time associated with manufacturing peripheral surface-emitting linear light guides with multiple layers of light-scattering particles hinder the reduction of catheter costs while maintaining light intensity homogeneity.
Innovation Solution
A peripheral surface-emitting linear light guide with an optical fiber core and a light-scattering member that covers the core's outer surface, where the light-scattering member consists of a base material with a higher refractive index and dispersed light-scattering particles, and its thickness gradually increases towards the tip, formed by varying the pulling-up speed during the manufacturing process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If multiple layers of light-scattering members with different mixing ratios are formed by repeated adhering and curing, then the homogeneity of light intensity is enhanced, but the manufacturing cost increases and processing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple light-scattering members with different mixing ratios into a single integrated structure. Instead of forming separate layers through repeated adhering and curing operations, the invention uses a single base material with light-scattering particles dispersed throughout, where the particle concentration varies continuously to achieve the desired light intensity homogeneity. This merging of multiple processing steps into one operation significantly reduces manufacturing time and complexity while maintaining the homogeneity effect.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of light-scattering particle concentration from discrete layered structures to a continuous gradient distribution. By controlling the mixing ratio of light-scattering particles in the base material to vary continuously along the optical fiber axis, the invention achieves homogeneous light intensity emission without requiring multiple separate coating layers. This parameter transformation simplifies the manufacturing process while maintaining optical performance.
2Manufacturing precision
If multiple layers of light-scattering members with different mixing ratios are formed by repeated adhering and curing, then the homogeneity of light intensity is enhanced, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple coating operations into a single application process. Instead of repeatedly adhering and curing separate light-scattering member layers, the invention applies one base material containing light-scattering particles with varying concentrations throughout. This single operation eliminates the need for multiple coating cycles, reducing labor costs, material waste, and processing complexity while achieving the same homogeneity of light intensity.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transforms the manufacturing approach by changing from discrete, multi-step coating processes to a single continuous mixing and application process. The light-scattering particles are dispersed in the base material at controlled concentrations that vary along the optical fiber, allowing one-time application rather than repeated coating. This parameter change in the manufacturing method directly reduces production costs while maintaining optical performance.
3Ease of manufacture
If a constant thickness light-scattering member is used, then the manufacturing process is simple, but the homogeneity of light intensity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by varying the concentration of light-scattering particles in different regions of the base material along the optical fiber axis. Instead of using a uniform concentration throughout, the invention designs the particle distribution to be higher near the distal end and lower toward the proximal end. This spatial variation in material properties compensates for light attenuation and ensures homogeneous light intensity emission across the entire fiber length, while still using a single continuous base material for simple manufacturing.
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 configuration reduces costs while enhancing the homogeneity of light intensity, improving the efficiency and effectiveness of catheter treatments.
Implementation Method 1
light emitted from the outer peripheral surface of the core is scattered and radiated by the light-scattering member
Implementation Method 2
a light-scattering member that covers an entire periphery of the outer peripheral surface of the core in an exposed portion
Data Source
AI summary
A peripheral surface-emitting linear light guide is provided with an optical fiber including a core, an outer peripheral surface of which is exposed from a cladding at one end in a longitudinal direction, and a light-scattering member that covers an entire periphery of the outer peripheral surface of the core in an exposed portion over a predetermined axial length range. The light emitted from the outer peripheral surface of the core is scattered and radiated by the light-scattering member. The light-scattering member includes a light transmissive base material having a higher refractive index than the core and light-scattering particles that scatter the light incident on the base material, and the light-scattering particles are dispersed and mixed in a certain proportion throughout the base material. At least a portion of the light-scattering member in the longitudinal direction is an increasing portion whose thickness increases gradually toward a tip side of the core.