Interchangeable Optics Housing for Illuminable Fiber Bundle
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Solution Overview
Problem
The fabrication of illuminable image-transporting optical fiber bundles is complex and costly due to the need for precise assembly and handling of fragile structures, which often results in damage to the fibers and limits the usability of the components, especially when mounting optics, as existing methods require machining and polishing that can lead to degradation of the image input and transport.
Innovation Solution
A light-conductive optics housing system that is cooperatively coupled with an illuminable image-transporting optical fiber bundle, featuring a translucent housing wall with an optics channel for housing optical elements, allowing for selective attachment and removal of optics housings and optical element sets, thereby avoiding the need for complex machining and enabling interchangeable optics configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If separate fabrication of inner and outer bundles followed by introduction of inner bundle into outer bundle is used, then the assembly can be constructed, but the fabrication becomes complex and costly requiring very skilled operators and sophisticated automation equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the inner image-conducting bundle and outer illuminating bundle into a single pre-assembled unit before coupling to the optics housing. This merging eliminates the need for complex post-assembly operations and skilled manual handling, directly resolving the contradiction between ease of manufacture and device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the optical system into three distinct modules: the pre-assembled inner-outer bundle unit, the optics housing, and the interchangeable optical elements. This segmentation allows each module to be manufactured and tested independently, then coupled together through simple bayonet-style connections, reducing overall fabrication complexity
2Manufacturing precision
If end face of inner bundle is finished (ground and polished) before outer bundle is arranged about it, then the image-input face can be properly formed, but the finished inner face is exposed to potential damage during subsequent fabrication steps
Solution Approach 1:
The inner bundle's image-input face is ground and polished in advance during the inner bundle fabrication process, before the outer bundle is assembled around it. This preliminary action ensures high manufacturing precision while the outer bundle subsequently protects the finished face from damage during handling and assembly
Solution Approach 2:
The outer illuminating bundle acts as a protective cushion or shield around the fragile inner image-conducting bundle. This protective arrangement prevents mechanical damage to the already-finished image-input face during subsequent assembly and handling operations
3Ease of manufacture
If end portions of imaging fibers are machined away to form a recessed channel for optics mounting, then optics can be housed, but the image bundle is subjected to damage such as shattering or splintering of constituent fibers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent separates the optics mounting function from the image bundle structure by using a dedicated optics housing with a bayonet-style coupling mechanism. This segmentation eliminates the need to machine away fiber portions, preventing shattering and splintering while still providing secure optics mounting
Solution Approach 2:
The bayonet-style coupling mechanism acts as an intermediary between the image bundle and the optics housing. This mediator provides a robust connection method that avoids direct mechanical interference with the fragile fiber ends, eliminating damage risks associated with traditional machining methods
4Strength
If optics are permanently mounted into the void or channel, then the optics are securely retained, but the optics become non-changeable and versatility is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic bayonet-style coupling mechanism that allows optics to be securely retained during operation but easily removed and replaced when needed. This dynamic connection provides both strong mechanical retention and full interchangeability, resolving the contradiction between security and versatility
Solution Approach 2:
The optics housing is designed with a universal bayonet coupling interface that can accommodate multiple different optical element configurations. This universal design allows the same housing to securely retain various optics types, providing both secure retention and interchangeability for different imaging applications
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 solution simplifies the assembly process, reduces the risk of fiber damage, and enhances the versatility of the optical fiber bundle by allowing for interchangeable optics configurations, thus improving the reliability and flexibility of the image transport and illumination system.
Implementation Method 1
the outward bundle is comprised of illuminating fibers that transport light from a remote source or sources to the light-output end of the outer bundle
Implementation Method 2
Each imaging conduit includes first and second ends and has the capacity to conduct light between its first and second ends by total internal reflection
Data Source
AI summary
An illuminable image-conducting optical assembly includes an illuminable image-transporting optical fiber bundle having (i) an inner image-conducting bundle with opposed image-input and image-output faces and (ii) a plurality of illumination conduits disposed peripherally about the image-conducting bundle. The illumination conduits include light-emission ends that combine to define a light-output face. A translucent optics housing includes light-entrance and light-exit ends and an inside surface defining an optics channel for housing at least one optical element. The optical fiber bundle and the optics housing cooperatively couple such that (a) at least one housed optical element is in optical communication with the image-input face in order to facilitate the projection of an image of an object of interest onto the image-input face and (b) the light-output face of the fiber bundle is in optical communication with the light-entrance end of the optics housing such that light introduced into the light-collection end of an illumination conduit enters the light-entrance end, and emits from the light-exit end, of the optics housing so as to facilitate illumination of the object to be imaged onto the image-input face.