Medical Laser System Temperature Control for Ophthalmology
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current medical laser systems for ophthalmological surgery lack ease of use, accuracy, and efficiency, particularly in adjusting optical output power without affecting other performance parameters, and are costly to manufacture.
Innovation Solution
A medical laser system that adjusts optical output power by controlling the operating temperature of the laser source and frequency converter, allowing for precise control of optical output power within a wide range without the need for additional components, thereby reducing manufacturing costs and maintaining stable operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If an attenuator is used to adjust the optical output power of the laser system, then the optical output power can be controlled within a wide range, but the manufacturing cost increases due to additional components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by adjusting the operating temperature of the frequency converter to control the optical output power. By varying the temperature parameter, the system achieves wide-range power adjustment without requiring additional attenuator components, thus resolving the contradiction between adaptability and manufacturing cost
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/optical attenuator system with a thermal control system. Instead of using physical attenuators to reduce power, the system uses temperature control of the frequency converter to achieve the same effect, eliminating the need for additional components and reducing manufacturing complexity
2Power
If the optical output power is adjusted by changing other performance parameters, then the power control is achieved, but other performance parameters such as beam quality, astigmatism, and wavelength are adversely affected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the temperature parameter of the frequency converter specifically to control output power while maintaining other performance parameters. This targeted parameter change allows power adjustment without adversely affecting beam quality, astigmatism, or wavelength, as the temperature control is applied selectively to the frequency conversion process rather than the entire laser system
3Reliability
If multiple control loops are used to optimize beam quality and stability, then the beam performance is improved, but the system complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the temperature control system multi-functional by using it to achieve both beam quality optimization and output power control. Instead of requiring separate control loops for each function, the temperature parameter serves multiple purposes, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining beam performance
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the power control function with the existing temperature control mechanisms of the laser system. By integrating power adjustment into the thermal management system, the patent reduces the number of separate control loops needed, thereby simplifying the control system architecture
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 system provides improved ease of use, accuracy, and reduced treatment time by allowing precise control of optical output power while maintaining stable operation and reducing manufacturing costs, enhancing the overall efficiency and safety of ophthalmological surgical procedures.
Implementation Method 1
a frequency converter configured to receive the source radiation and to output said emitted laser radiation as a frequency-converted output of a frequency conversion process
Implementation Method 2
The laser controller is configured to control the optical output power of the emitted laser radiation by adjusting an operating temperature of the laser source and/or an operating temperature of the frequency converter
Data Source
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Figure 3
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AI summary
A medical laser system for ophthalmological surgery, such as photocoagulation or another method of photo-thermal stimulation, the laser system comprising: a laser device configured to emit laser radiation at a visible wavelength; and a laser controller configured to control the laser system; wherein the laser device comprises: a laser source configured to emit a source radiation, and a frequency converter configured to receive the source radiation and to output said emitted laser radiation as a frequency-converted output of a frequency conversion process, the frequency conversion process having an efficiency dependent on a wavelength of the source radiation, the efficiency having a maximum, the emitted laser radiation having an optical output power; wherein the laser controller is configured to adjust the optical output power of the emitted laser radiation to a selected target value by adjusting an operating temperature of the laser source and/or an operating temperature of the frequency converter such that the frequency converter is operated at an efficiency smaller than the maximum of the efficiency.