Laser Irradiation Device with Faceted Reflector for Vein Treatment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing laser light irradiation devices for treating varicose veins suffer from significant light attenuation and heat generation due to multiple reflections within a transparent sphere, leading to energy loss and potential damage to the device.
Innovation Solution
A laser light irradiation device comprising an optical guide, a reflecting portion with a gradually decreasing diameter reflecting surface, and a transmitting portion with a window, which reduces the number of reflections and minimizes heat generation by allowing a higher percentage of laser light to be radiated externally through a window part.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If a transparent sphere with a reflecting film is used to disperse and evenly reflect laser light, then the light distribution becomes uniform, but the light attenuation increases and heat generation occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The transparent sphere is divided into multiple reflective facets arranged in a polyhedral configuration. Each facet reflects light independently, and the cumulative effect of multiple facets provides uniform light distribution while reducing the total number of reflections needed compared to a continuous spherical surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The reflective facets are arranged to form an approximate spherical configuration, maintaining the space-efficient and omnidirectional light distribution benefits of a spherical shape while using flat or slightly curved facets that reduce light attenuation compared to a fully continuous curved surface with a coating.
2Illumination intensity
If light is reflected multiple times by the inner surface of the transparent sphere, then even distribution is achieved, but heat generation damages the device
Solution Approach 1:
The sphere is segmented into multiple reflective facets, reducing the number of bounces required for uniform distribution. Light reflects off multiple facets in sequence, achieving even illumination with fewer total reflections compared to a continuous spherical mirror, thereby reducing heat generation at any single point.
Solution Approach 2:
The design accepts that some heat generation is inevitable from light absorption, but converts this potential harm by using uncoated or minimally coated transparent facets that absorb less light. The geometric arrangement of facets ensures that even with minimal reflections, uniform distribution is achieved, turning the limitation of reduced reflectivity into a benefit of lower heat generation.
3Power
If a reflecting film is formed on the transparent sphere surface, then light reflection is enhanced, but the device becomes more prone to damage
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of forming a continuous reflecting film on the entire sphere, the design uses discrete reflective facets or applies reflective coating only to specific portions of the sphere. This segmentation reduces the total surface area requiring coating, thereby reducing the risk of coating-related damage while maintaining sufficient reflection efficiency for uniform light distribution.
Solution Approach 2:
The reflecting film or reflective treatment is applied selectively to specific regions or facets of the sphere rather than uniformly across the entire surface. This local application reduces the overall material usage and potential failure points, while still achieving the necessary light reflection and distribution performance in the critical regions.
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
The solution achieves lower energy loss and heat generation, enhancing irradiation efficiency and reducing the risk of device damage, with a higher percentage of laser light being effectively transmitted for vein occlusion.
Implementation Method 1
an optical guide that has a columnar portion and transmits laser light through the columnar portion
Implementation Method 2
a reflecting portion having a reflecting surface that reflects the laser light transmitted through the optical guide
Data Source
AI summary
A laser light irradiation device is disclosed, which can include an optical guide having a columnar portion and transmitting laser light through the columnar portion; a reflecting portion having a reflecting surface that reflects the laser light transmitted through the optical guide; and a transmitting portion having a window part and disposed between the columnar portion of the optical guide and the reflecting portion in such a manner that one end of the transmitting portion is in contact with the columnar portion, the transmitting portion transmitting the laser light emitted from the columnar portion to the reflecting portion and transmitting the laser light reflected by the reflecting surface to cause the laser light to be radiated to an external through the window part. A diameter of the reflecting surface gradually becomes smaller as distance from a boundary between the transmitting portion and the reflecting portion increases.