Light Scattering Patch Device for Tissue Illumination

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Solution Overview

Problem

Tapered optical fibers prepared by the etching method face limitations such as damage to biological tissues during deep illumination, limited irradiation range, fragility, and susceptibility to contamination, which restrict their application in biomedical settings.

Innovation Solution

A light scattering patch device comprising a transparent patch with a refractive index greater than biological tissues, a stretched tapered optical fiber with a small tip diameter, and an air gap formed between the stretched part and the tapered transition zone, which increases the divergence angle of the light to 126°-130°.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Length of moving object

If the tapered optical fiber is prepared by the etching method, then the light can be transmitted to deep tissues, but the tapered optical fiber must be pierced into biological tissues which causes tissue damage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepenetration depthVSAvoidtissue damage

Core Design Contradiction:

Length of moving objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a transparent patch with refractive index matching biological tissues as an intermediary medium. The tapered optical fiber tip is attached to this patch, which then contacts the tissue surface. This intermediary allows light to be transmitted into deep tissues through the patch-tissue interface without requiring direct piercing of the optical fiber into the tissue, thereby eliminating mechanical damage while maintaining deep penetration capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of inserting the optical fiber tip directly into the tissue (inward penetration), the invention inverts the approach by placing the fiber tip on the outer surface and using a transparent patch to couple light into the tissue from the surface. This outward-to-inward light delivery method achieves deep tissue illumination without mechanical intrusion.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

2Area of stationary object

If the tapered area length is reduced to decrease device size, then the irradiation range is limited, but if the tapered area length is increased, then the device size increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveirradiation rangeVSAvoiddevice size

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extends the irradiation range not by lengthening the tapered fiber axis (one dimension), but by expanding the light emission in the radial direction through the transparent patch (another dimension). The patch acts as a light scattering medium that distributes light laterally across a wider area, achieving extended irradiation coverage without increasing the fiber's tapered length.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Reliability

If the tapered optical fiber is directly exposed to the biological environment, then the fiber is fragile and susceptible to contamination, but if protected, then the light guidance efficiency is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefiber stabilityVSAvoidlight guidance efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The transparent patch serves as a protective intermediary layer between the fragile optical fiber and the complex biological environment. The patch shields the fiber from contamination, mechanical stress, and physiological degradation, enhancing reliability. Simultaneously, the patch is optically designed with matching refractive index to minimize light loss at interfaces, preserving light guidance efficiency while providing environmental protection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 light scattering patch device enhances the irradiation range and stability of the tapered optical fiber, reduces tissue damage, and increases the mechanical strength and resistance to electromagnetic interference, thereby improving the effectiveness and longevity of light guidance in biomedical applications.

Implementation Method 1

Light scattering patch device

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight scattering: Scattering

Implementation Method 2

part of the light continues to be transmitted forwards through total reflection until emergent

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTotal internal reflection: Total Internal Reflection

Implementation Method 3

a refractive index of the patch is greater than a refractive index of a biological tissue

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRefraction: Refraction

Data Source

PatentUS12222550B2Light scattering patch device and preparation method thereof

Publication Date: 2025.02.11 ZHEJIANG UNIV

AI summary

A light scattering patch device and preparation method thereof is disclosed. The light scattering patch device is composed of a patch, an air gap, and a tapered optical fiber; the patch is a transparent patch; a refractive index of the patch is greater than a refractive index of a biological tissue; a tip, a tapered transition zone and a partial unstretched zone of the tapered optical fiber are embedded in the patch, and the air gap is formed between the tip and the tapered transition zone of the tapered optical fiber and the patch. The method of preparing the light scattering patch device comprises: first preparing the tapered optical fiber, then performing hydrophobic modification on the surface of the tapered optical fiber; placing the tapered optical fiber in an uncured polymer and curing the uncured polymer, and pulling the unstretched part; connecting the unstretched part of the tapered optical fiber.