Optical Rotary Junction Module for OCT Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical rotary junction modules for OCT systems experience noise and mechanical breakdowns during high-speed rotation due to coupler-induced tolerance and limited performance of commercially available joints, leading to torque loss and structural issues.
Innovation Solution
An optical rotary junction module design that eliminates couplers between inner components, utilizing screw-threaded connections and alignment parts with ferrules and springs to ensure precise optical coupling in free space, allowing torque transmission from a hollow motor to the imaging catheter without loss.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a coupler is used to connect fiber optic rotary joint and shaft, then the components can be assembled, but noise occurs during high-speed rotation and the joint breaks down due to abrasion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the coupler component from the system entirely. Instead of connecting the fiber optic rotary joint and shaft through a coupler, the design allows the optical fiber to extend directly from the rotary joint to the shaft, eliminating the intermediate coupling component that causes noise and wear during high-speed rotation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple components (rotary joint, shaft coupler, hollow motor, adapter) are assembled in sequence, then the rotary junction function is achieved, but tolerance accumulation occurs and torque transmission suffers loss
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple separate components into a more integrated structure. The optical fiber is routed directly through the hollow motor shaft, eliminating the need for separate shaft couplers and reducing the number of assembly interfaces. This integration reduces tolerance accumulation between components.
3Ease of operation
If commercially available joints are used for connection, then assembly is simplified, but the joint performance is limited and breaks down due to abrasion during high-speed rotation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical coupler-based connection system with a direct optical fiber routing approach. Instead of using mechanical joints to connect rotating components, the optical fiber passes through the hollow shaft, eliminating mechanical contact and friction at the connection point, thereby preventing wear-induced failures.
Data Source
AI summary
An optical rotary junction module for an OCT system according to the present invention includes an OCT connection part having a screw thread formed on an outer peripheral surface thereof, the OCT connection part being connected to an OCT system configured to produce light, a connecting/fixing part having a screw thread formed on an inner peripheral surface thereof and screw-coupled to and engaging with the screw thread formed on the outer peripheral surface of the OCT connection part, a first housing having a screw thread formed on an inner peripheral surface of one end thereof and a screw thread formed on an inner peripheral surface of the other end thereof, the first housing having one end screw-coupled to the connecting/fixing part, a second housing screw-coupled to the screw thread formed on the inner peripheral surface of the other end of the first housing, a hollow motor inserted into the second housing and configured to generate rotational power, and an adapter configured to be coupled to an imaging catheter configured to be inserted into a blood vessel of a human body and transmit light received from the OCT system. The optical rotary junction module has the effects of reducing noise generated during high-speed rotation, and preventing failure caused by abrasion or the like. Moreover, the module may be structurally simplified and reduced in size, and the product cost per unit thereof may be lowered by minimizing the components.