Medical Light Source Device Actuator-Free Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional medical light source devices require actuators to switch between main and auxiliary light sources, leading to increased size and complexity.
Innovation Solution
A medical light source device with a main light source and an auxiliary light source of similar maximum luminance, both emitting white light, where the light source switching is achieved by moving a light source switching section between the two sources, eliminating the need for actuators.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an actuator is used to move the auxiliary light source to switch between main and auxiliary light sources, then light source switching is achieved, but device size and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the actuator component from the system entirely. Instead of using an actuator to move the auxiliary light source, the design extracts the switching function to rely on the natural positioning and optical path alignment of fixed components, thereby eliminating the complexity associated with actuator mechanisms while maintaining light source switching capability
Solution Approach 2:
Rather than moving the light source to achieve switching (conventional approach), the patent inverts the approach by keeping light sources fixed and switching the optical path or detection path instead. This inversion eliminates the need for mechanical movement components while achieving the same functional result
2Reliability
If an actuator is used to move the auxiliary light source to switch between main and auxiliary light sources, then light source switching is achieved, but device size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator component is completely removed from the system. The switching function is achieved through fixed optical path design and alignment, extracting the need for mechanical movement components that would increase device volume
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the switching function into the fixed optical path design itself, combining the light source positioning and optical routing into a unified fixed structure that eliminates the need for separate actuator mechanisms and reduces overall device volume
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
Enables seamless switching of light sources without increasing device size or complexity, maintaining consistent brightness and color, and simplifying design and procurement by using identical high-luminance LED packages and a shared heat sink.
Implementation Method 1
a heat sink that absorbs heat of the plurality of light sources
Data Source
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AI summary
[Object] To provide a medical light source device and a medical observation system capable of switching a light source while suppressing an increase in size and complication of a device. [Solution] A medical light source device according to the present disclosure includes: a plurality of light sources; and a light source switching section that holds an end section of a light guide that transmits light, and is capable of disposing the end section on one of optical paths of light emitted by the plurality of light sources.