Movable Reflex Mirror for Coaxial Ophthalmic Illumination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ophthalmic laser devices face challenges in providing coaxial illumination for posterior eye treatments due to the geometry of the optical paths, which restricts the laser beam diameter and obstructs the treatment beam, making it difficult to achieve accurate and unobstructed illumination and viewing.
Innovation Solution
A reflex coaxial illuminator with a movable reflex mirror, actuated by a motor, solenoid, or piezoelectric device, that moves out of the treatment laser beam path during treatment and returns when the treatment is complete, allowing for coaxial illumination without blocking the viewing or treatment paths.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If a fixed illumination mirror is placed in the treatment laser beam path, then coaxial illumination can be provided, but the treatment laser beam is blocked and cannot reach the treatment area
Solution Approach 1:
The illumination mirror is made movable between two positions: first position where it reflects illumination onto the treatment area coaxially, and second position where it is moved out of the treatment laser beam path to allow the laser beam to pass through unobstructed. This dynamic repositioning resolves the contradiction between providing coaxial illumination and avoiding blockage of the treatment laser beam.
2Illumination intensity
If dual illumination mirrors are placed between binocular viewing paths with small spacing, then almost coaxial illumination is achieved, but the aperture for treatment laser beam is restricted and laser beam diameter is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The disturbing element (illumination mirror) is extracted from its blocking position in the treatment laser beam path and moved to a position where it does not interfere with the laser beam. By taking the mirror out of the beam path when not needed for illumination, the full aperture is available for the treatment laser beam, resolving the contradiction between achieving coaxial illumination and maintaining adequate laser beam diameter.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If illumination is provided from a position outside the main optical path, then the viewing path is not blocked, but coaxial illumination cannot be achieved for posterior treatments
Solution Approach 1:
The illumination mirror dynamically switches between operating in the main optical path to provide coaxial illumination and operating outside the path to avoid blocking the viewing path. This resolves the contradiction by allowing the system to achieve coaxial illumination when needed while avoiding viewing path blockage at other times.
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 coaxial illumination of the eye during ophthalmic treatments without obstructing the viewing or treatment laser paths, ensuring accurate targeting and minimal interruption to the user, particularly beneficial for posterior treatments like membranectomy or hyaloidotomy using short pulse lasers.
Implementation Method 1
a reflex mirror directing illumination from a source of illumination into an illumination path coaxial with the treatment path
Implementation Method 2
a reflex mirror movable on an axis from a position in a treatment laser beam path to a position out of the treatment laser beam path
Data Source
AI summary
A mirror for an ophthalmic laser treatment device that is movable on an axis from a position in a treatment laser beam path to a position out of the treatment laser beam path. The mirror reflects light from a light source into the eye of a patient. The mirror is biased towards a position in the path and is moved out of the path by an actuator just long enough for the laser treatment to be applied and without noticeable interruption to viewing by a user.