Ureteroscope Launch Connector Stray Laser Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing laser-energy-delivery devices face issues with stray laser energy causing mechanical and optical property damage, inefficiency, and premature failure due to misalignment and heat sink requirements, particularly in medical procedures like ureteroscopy and colonscopy.
Innovation Solution
A doped silica component with a lower index of refraction than the optical fiber is heat-fused to the proximal end of the fiber, creating a reflective interface that absorbs or redirects stray laser energy, enhancing transmission efficiency and reducing heat sink needs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If known coupling components (e.g., tapered coupling components) are used to deal with stray laser energy, then stray laser energy can be managed, but the components lack stability, increase the effective numerical aperture of guided light leading to premature failure of laser fiber when bent, redirect laser energy inefficiently, are relatively expensive to manufacture, and require relatively large heat sinks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the problematic tapered coupling component and replaces it with a simple launch connector that has a flat interface. This flat interface directly couples to the optical fiber without requiring complex tapering structures, thereby eliminating the stability issues and premature failure problems while maintaining effective stray laser energy management
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using a tapered interface to manage stray laser energy, the patent inverts the approach by using a flat interface that relies on the natural numerical aperture of the optical fiber and the refractive index differences to control light propagation. This inversion simplifies the structure while achieving the same functional goals
2Loss of energy
If known coupling components are used to deal with stray laser energy, then stray laser energy can be managed, but laser energy transmission efficiency is reduced due to inefficient redirection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the potentially harmful stray laser energy into a beneficial effect by using the flat interface and refractive index differences to naturally guide and focus the energy. The interface design allows stray energy to be redirected efficiently back into the optical fiber or absorbed by the launch connector, improving overall transmission efficiency rather than wasting energy through complex redirection mechanisms
3Reliability
If known coupling components are used to deal with stray laser energy, then stray laser energy can be managed, but manufacturing cost increases due to expensive production processes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the launch connector into simple, easily manufacturable components with a flat interface that can be produced using standard manufacturing processes. This segmentation eliminates the need for complex tapering operations and expensive precision machining, thereby reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining effective stray laser energy management
Solution Approach 2:
The launch connector is designed as a simple, inexpensive component that can be easily manufactured and replaced if needed. The flat interface design allows for cost-effective production using standard manufacturing techniques, making the system more economically viable compared to expensive tapered coupling components
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 significantly increases the longevity of the laser-energy-delivery system, improves energy transmission efficiency, and reduces heat sink requirements, minimizing damage and inefficiency caused by stray laser energy.
Implementation Method 1
The doped silica component has an index of refraction lower than an index of refraction associated with the outer-layer portion of the optical fiber, creating a reflective interface that absorbs or redirects stray laser energy
Implementation Method 2
The bore can have an inner-layer portion heat-fused to the outer-layer portion of the optical fiber
Data Source
AI summary
In one embodiment, an apparatus includes an optical fiber made of a silica-based material. A proximal end portion of the optical fiber has an outer-layer portion. The proximal end portion can be included in at least a portion of a launch connector configured to receive electromagnetic radiation. The apparatus also includes a component that has a bore therethrough and can be made of a doped silica material. The bore can have an inner-layer portion heat-fused to the outer-layer portion of the optical fiber. The component can also have an index of refraction lower than an index of refraction associated with the outer-layer portion of the optical fiber.