Movable Phosphor Element for Selective Endoscope Light Spectrum
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing endoscope and exoscope lighting devices lack the ability to selectively adjust the light spectrum for different applications, leading to limitations in usability and requiring a more compact and simple design.
Innovation Solution
The lighting device incorporates a color conversion element with at least a first and a second phosphor, which is selectively movable relative to the light source and optical waveguide, allowing for selective excitation of phosphors based on the desired application and resulting light spectrum.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple light sources are used to provide different wavelength ranges, then the spectral versatility is improved, but the device complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by enabling a single light source to perform multiple spectral functions through the use of a color conversion element containing multiple phosphors with different emission characteristics. The color conversion element can be selectively positioned to convert light from one LED into different wavelength ranges, allowing the same light source to serve multiple spectral purposes without requiring multiple separate light sources.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamics through the movable color conversion element that can be selectively positioned between different operational states. The color conversion element's ability to move into different positions relative to the light source and optical waveguide allows dynamic switching between different spectral output modes, enabling adaptability without permanent structural complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple light sources are used to provide different wavelength ranges, then the spectral versatility is improved, but the space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The color conversion element serves multiple spectral functions in a single compact component. By incorporating multiple phosphors with different emission characteristics into one element and selectively positioning it, the system achieves the spectral versatility of multiple light sources while occupying the space of only one light source and its associated color conversion component.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies nesting by integrating multiple phosphors within a single color conversion element structure. The different phosphors are nested within the same physical component, allowing them to be selectively activated by positioning the entire element in different locations relative to the light source, thereby saving space compared to having separate light sources for each phosphor type.
3Device complexity
If a single light source with color conversion is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ability to selectively adjust light spectrum is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves this contradiction by making the color conversion element movable rather than fixed. The selective positioning mechanism allows the system to switch between different spectral conversion modes dynamically, providing spectral adjustability comparable to multiple light sources while maintaining the structural simplicity of a single light source configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The color conversion element is segmented into multiple phosphor regions with different emission characteristics. By selectively positioning the color conversion element, different phosphor segments are activated, enabling spectral adjustment without requiring multiple separate light sources or complex multi-source control systems.
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 enables selective output of different light spectra using a single light source, enhancing usability while minimizing space requirements and maintaining a simple design.
Implementation Method 1
each of which is designed to convert at least a portion of the light of a first wavelength emitted by the light source into light of a different wavelength
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
The present invention relates to a lighting device (10) for an endoscope (20) or exoscope, comprising at least one light source (1), in particular an LED light source, for emitting light of a first wavelength and a color conversion element (2) optically coupled to this light source, wherein the color conversion element contains at least a first and a second phosphor (3a, 3b), which are each designed to convert at least a portion of the light of a first wavelength emitted by the light source (1) into light of a different wavelength, wherein the color conversion element (2) is arranged to be selectively movable relative to the light source (1) and/or an optical waveguide (5) arranged between the light source (1) and the color conversion element (2) and is designed such thatthat light emitted by the light source (1) can be selectively coupled into at least a first region (4a) comprising the first phosphor (3a) and/or into a second region (4b) comprising the second phosphor (3b).