Optical Connector Parallel Beam Collimation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Optical transmission connectors in endoscope systems face challenges in maintaining high transmission efficiency while being compact, as they are prone to reduced efficiency due to foreign matter and size constraints, and existing solutions using large-scale lenses are not adequately addressing these issues.
Innovation Solution
The optical transmission connector device features a transmission-side and reception-side connector with optical members that convert optical signals into approximately parallel beams, with the optical members having a maximum effective diameter less than twice the maximum light-beam diameter, allowing for efficient signal transfer and reduced size through the use of single lenses without large-scale components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If large-scale lenses are used to improve transmission efficiency, then transmission efficiency is improved, but device size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the optical transmission system into multiple separate optical fibers instead of using a single large lens. Each optical fiber independently transmits optical signals, eliminating the need for large-scale collimating lenses while maintaining transmission efficiency. The segmentation of the optical path into multiple discrete channels resolves the contradiction between transmission efficiency and device size.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical optical system (large lenses for collimation and focusing) with an optical fiber-based system. Optical fibers inherently guide and transmit light without requiring external optical components, thereby substituting the mechanical lens system with a more compact optical waveguide structure that maintains efficiency while reducing size.
2Volume of moving object
If optical transmission connectors are made compact, then device size is reduced, but transmission efficiency decreases due to foreign matter adhesion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs disposable or easily replaceable optical fibers in the compact connector design. When foreign matter adheres to the optical fiber end faces, the fibers can be quickly replaced or cleaned without affecting the overall connector structure, thereby maintaining transmission efficiency in a compact form factor.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses protective coatings or thin film structures on the optical fiber end faces to prevent foreign matter adhesion. These thin protective layers maintain the compact connector design while preventing contamination that would otherwise reduce transmission efficiency.
3Productivity
If multiple optical fibers are used to transmit multiple optical signals, then data transmission capacity is improved, but alignment precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses multiple discrete optical fibers, each independently transmitting optical signals. The segmentation of the optical transmission into separate fiber channels allows for individual alignment and positioning, reducing the overall alignment precision requirements compared to a single complex optical path. Each fiber can be aligned independently to its corresponding receiver.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs standardized optical fiber connectors and interfaces that can be universally aligned and connected. The use of standard ferrule dimensions and positioning features enables easy alignment of multiple fibers without requiring high-precision custom alignment mechanisms, thereby increasing data transmission capacity while maintaining manageable alignment requirements.
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 configuration ensures high transmission efficiency, allows for compact design, and provides tolerance to errors and foreign matter, enabling easy switching and cleaning of scopes without reducing efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
an optical member that is disposed in contact with or in the vicinity of one end surfaces of the plurality of optical fibers; the optical member of the transmission-side connector is formed so as to convert the plurality of optical signals emitted from the one end surfaces of the optical fibers into approximately parallel beams of light
Data Source
AI summary
An optical transmission connector device includes: a transmission-side connector sending optical signals; and a reception-side connector receiving the optical signals sent from the transmission-side connector. The transmission-side and the reception-side connectors have: optical fibers transmitting optical signals; and optical members disposed in contact with or in the vicinity of one end surfaces of the optical fibers. The optical member of the transmission-side connector is formed so as to convert the optical signals emitted from the one end surfaces of the optical fibers into approximately parallel beams of light and so as to cause the centers of light beams of the approximately parallel beams of light to intersect at approximately one point. The optical member of the reception-side connector is formed so as to cause the optical signals converted into the approximately parallel beams of light at the optical member of the transmission-side connector to enter the separate optical fibers.