Optic Fiber Bending Device for Variable Beam Area
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optic fibers have a fixed beam diameter and area of incidence, limiting the flexibility in targeting and coverage when used in applications such as medical procedures, where varying the beam's area of incidence is desirable without altering the distance to the target.
Innovation Solution
A handheld optic fiber bending device that uses a mechanism with spring-loaded plates to bend the optic fiber, allowing the beam's area of incidence to change while maintaining the same distance to the target, by manipulating the plates to create multiple bends in the fiber, thereby increasing the beam's spread.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If the optic fiber is bent to increase beam spread, then the area of incidence on the target increases, but the fiber may break due to excessive bending stress
Solution Approach 1:
The device employs a dynamic bending mechanism with movable plates that can be adjusted to apply controlled bending forces to the optic fiber. The plates can be positioned at different locations along the fiber to create bends of varying intensity, allowing the beam area to be adjusted dynamically without exceeding the fiber's bending tolerance limits
Solution Approach 2:
The device introduces an intermediary bending mechanism between the optic fiber and the target. This mechanism, consisting of movable plates and guides, serves as a mediator that controls and limits the bending stress on the fiber while still achieving the desired beam spread effect on the target
2Area of stationary object
If the optic fiber is bent to change beam area, then the beam spread increases, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The bending device is segmented into multiple independent movable plates that can be adjusted separately. Each plate can be positioned and adjusted independently to create specific bend patterns in the fiber, allowing complex beam shaping to be achieved through simple, modular components rather than a single complex mechanism
Solution Approach 2:
The device changes physical parameters of the optic fiber (such as bend location, bend radius, and bend direction) to achieve different beam areas. By adjusting simple geometric parameters of the fiber configuration rather than complex mechanical systems, the beam area can be varied effectively
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 the optic fiber to emit a larger area of incidence on a target without changing the distance, enhancing the flexibility and effectiveness in medical procedures and other applications where beam spread is critical.
Implementation Method 1
The light is maintained within the optic fiber due to total internal reflection that occurs at a boundary between a central core of the optic fiber and a surrounding cladding
Implementation Method 2
laser light is emitted from the end of the optic fiber... light guided within the optic fiber is emitted from a side surface of the optic fiber
Data Source
AI summary
A device having two sets of raised portions inside a metal case is provided for bending an optic fiber. According to some embodiments, the two sets of raised portions are on two plates that are biased apart by a spring means. According to some embodiments, the metal case prevents viewing of an optic fiber in the metal case. According to some embodiments, an adjustable stopping element is provided to limit movement of the two plates toward each other.