Movable Optical Array for Ophthalmic Beam Splitting
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Ophthalmic microsurgical procedures face challenges in efficiently transmitting light from a light source to a patient's eye due to excessive output power exceeding the capabilities of existing endo-illuminators, which can lead to inadequate illumination during surgical procedures.
Innovation Solution
An ophthalmic illumination system that splits a single light beam into multiple beams using an optical array with movable optical elements, allowing for precise control of light transmission and reflection, guided by a drive mechanism attached to a movable support, ensuring appropriate light delivery to the surgical field.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If a single light beam is used from a light source, then the light output power is high, but the endo-illuminator cannot transmit the light directly because the output power exceeds its capability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides a single light beam into multiple separate beams using an optical array with multiple optical elements. Each optical element (mirror or beam splitter) directs a portion of the light beam to different endo-illuminators, allowing the high-power light source to be distributed across multiple transmission channels that can each handle the reduced light intensity effectively
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple optical elements are used to split the light beam, then the light can be transmitted to multiple endo-illuminators, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The optical array is designed as a multi-functional component where each optical element serves dual purposes: reflecting or transmitting light to different endo-illuminators while maintaining precise beam direction and intensity control. This integrated approach allows a single array structure to perform multiple light distribution functions simultaneously, reducing overall system complexity
3Measurement precision
If the optical array is made movable to adjust light distribution, then the alignment precision is improved, but the stability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The optical array is implemented with movable optical elements that can be precisely positioned and adjusted. The system incorporates feedback control mechanisms that monitor light beam alignment and automatically adjust the optical elements' positions to maintain optimal performance, thereby achieving high alignment precision while preserving operational stability through active control
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
This solution minimizes light distortion, improves alignment, and maintains high stability, enabling precise and effective illumination for various ophthalmic surgical procedures by adjusting the amount of light transmitted to the surgical field as needed.
Implementation Method 1
The optical array can include one or more optical elements that reflect a portion of the light beam and transmit a portion of the light beam
Implementation Method 2
The optical array can include one or more optical elements that reflect a portion of the light beam and transmit a portion of the light beam
Data Source
AI summary
An ophthalmic illumination apparatus can include a movable support. The apparatus can also include an optical array coupled to the movable support and positioned to interact with a light beam from a light source. The optical array can include first and second optical elements. The first optical element can be configured to reflect and transmit first associated amounts of the light beam. The second optical element can be configured to reflect and transmit second associated amounts of the light beam different than the first optical element. The apparatus can further include a drive mechanism coupled to the movable support. The drive mechanism can be configured to cause the movable support to selectively move the optical array such that the light beam is selectively incident upon one of the first optical element or the second optical element. Associated devices, systems, and methods are also provided.