Movable Reflex Mirror Layout for Clear Ophthalmic Laser Viewing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing ophthalmic laser systems face challenges in ensuring safe and unobstructed viewing paths for ophthalmologists during treatments, particularly in maintaining co-axial illumination and allowing multiple beams to pass through while minimizing interference.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a reflex coaxial illuminator with a movable reflex mirror and dichroic mirrors that transmit specific beam paths, allowing for simultaneous passage of multiple beams and illumination without obstructing the viewing path.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Illumination intensity

If a reflex mirror is placed in the treatment beam path to provide co-axial illumination, then illumination quality is improved, but it may obstruct the viewing path of the ophthalmologist

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveco-axial illumination qualityVSAvoidviewing path obstruction

Core Design Contradiction:

Illumination intensityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The reflex mirror is made movable between two positions: in the treatment beam path during treatment to provide co-axial illumination, and out of the treatment beam path during viewing to eliminate obstruction. This dynamic repositioning resolves the contradiction by allowing the system to optimize for illumination when treating and for viewing when not treating.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system alternates between treatment mode (mirror in position to illuminate) and viewing mode (mirror out of position to allow clear viewing). This periodic switching between functional states allows both illumination and viewing requirements to be satisfied at different times in the operational cycle.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

2Adaptability or versatility

If a frequency doubling module is added to convert wavelength for SLT procedures, then treatment versatility is improved, but beam path complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetreatment wavelength capabilityVSAvoidbeam path configuration

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The frequency doubling module enables the laser system to operate at two different wavelengths (1064nm for cataract surgery and 532nm for SLT), making the system universal for multiple ophthalmic procedures. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction by allowing one system to perform both treatment types without requiring separate laser devices.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The frequency doubling module acts as an intermediary component that converts the 1064nm laser output to 532nm, enabling SLT treatment capability without requiring a separate SLT laser. This intermediary device adds versatility while managing complexity through a dedicated wavelength conversion stage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Productivity

If multiple beams (aiming and treatment) must pass through the same optical path, then system efficiency is improved, but beam interference increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebeam delivery efficiencyVSAvoidbeam interference

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

Dichroic mirrors are used to create wavelength-selective beam paths, allowing the 532nm SLT beams and 1064nm cataract beams to share the same optical path without interference. Each mirror is optimized to transmit or reflect specific wavelengths, ensuring that aiming beams and treatment beams of different wavelengths can coexist in the same path with minimal cross-interference.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

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 safe and effective treatment by ensuring clear viewing and precise beam alignment during ophthalmic procedures, enhancing safety and operational efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

a frequency doubling module that converts the beam at the first wavelength to a beam at a second wavelength

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFrequency doubling: Second Harmonic Generation

Implementation Method 2

the reflex mirror is dichroic mirrors that transmit at the wavelength of beams following the second beam path

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDichroic transmission: Dichroic Filter

Data Source

PatentUS12485041B2Treatment laser with reflex mirror

Publication Date: 2025.12.02 ELLEX MEDICAL

AI summary

An ophthalmic laser system for generating a first beam at a first wavelength on a first beam path and a second beam at a second wavelength on a second beam path, and directing optics to selectively direct the first beam or the second beam to a treatment beam path. The ophthalmic laser system incorporates a reflex coaxial illuminator comprising a reflex mirror movable on an axis from a position out of the treatment beam path to a position in the treatment beam path to direct illumination into an illumination path coaxial with the treatment beam path. The reflex mirror is adapted to transmit a beam that follows the second beam path.