Medical Light Source Apparatus Miniaturization via Optical Path Convergence
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Solution Overview
Problem
The size of medical light source apparatuses increases with the number of laser light sources, making it desirable to miniaturize these systems while maintaining effective illumination and optical characteristics.
Innovation Solution
A medical light source apparatus is designed with multiple laser light sources emitting different wavelength bands, where the optical paths of these sources are configured to converge and be reflected in a way that reduces the overall size, using a combination of dichroic mirrors, reflection mirrors, and a condenser lens to achieve uniform illumination and stable color output.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple laser light sources are mounted on the light source apparatus to provide special light observation, then the observation capability is improved, but the size of the light source apparatus increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple laser light sources (first and second laser light sources emitting different wavelength bands) into a single light source apparatus by making their emission directions coincide. This allows both laser beams to share the same optical path through the optical assembly, condenser lens, and rod integrator, thereby providing multiple observation capabilities while minimizing the apparatus size.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of arranging laser light sources side by side in the same plane (two-dimensional arrangement), the patent uses a three-dimensional configuration where the second laser light source is positioned above or below the first, with their emission directions adjusted to coincide. This vertical stacking approach reduces the horizontal footprint of the apparatus.
2Device complexity
If laser light sources are arranged side by side with emission directions in the same direction, then the optical path is simplified, but the optical path length increases and the system cannot be miniaturized
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a lateral arrangement of light sources to a vertical arrangement, allowing the second laser light source to be positioned in the vertical dimension while maintaining the same emission direction. This reduces the horizontal optical path length and allows for a more compact overall system configuration.
3Volume of stationary object
If the optical path length is shortened to miniaturize the system, then the apparatus size is reduced, but maintaining stable color output and uniform illumination becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a rod integrator as an intermediary component that receives the combined laser beams from both light sources and redistributes them uniformly. The rod integrator acts as a light mixing and equalizing element, ensuring that despite the shortened optical path, the output light maintains stable color characteristics and uniform illumination distribution.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical assembly and condenser lens serve multiple functions: they focus both laser beams simultaneously, combine the different wavelength bands, and direct the combined light through a single optical path. This multi-functionality allows for compact design while maintaining optical quality and color stability.
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 configuration allows for a miniaturized medical light source apparatus that maintains stable color output and uniform illumination, reducing the size of the optical system while ensuring effective illumination for medical applications.
Implementation Method 1
an optical assembly including a reflecting surface disposed to reflect the first laser light beam, cause the second laser light beam to be transmitted therethrough, and guide the first laser light beam and the second laser light beam in a same direction
Implementation Method 2
a reflection mirror having a reflecting surface that is not parallel with the reflecting surface of the optical assembly and configured to reflect the second laser light beam to cause the second laser light beam to enter the optical assembly
Data Source
AI summary
A medical observation system for observing a biological object includes a medical light source apparatus for illuminating the biological object. The medical light source apparatus includes a first, second and third laser light sources that emit respective first, second, and third laser light beams. First and second laser light beams have different wavelength bands. The medical light source apparatus also includes an optical assembly including a reflecting surface disposed to reflect the first laser light beam, cause the second laser light beam to be transmitted therethrough, and guide the first laser light beam and the second laser light beam in a same direction. The medical light source apparatus also includes a reflection mirror having a reflecting surface that is not parallel with the reflecting surface of the optical assembly. The system includes a medical observation device including a detector for detecting a light received from the biological object.