Optical Connector Segmentation for Endoscope Sterilization and Low Joint Loss
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing endoscope systems face issues with image instability, noise, and reduced resolution due to joint losses and mode mix problems at the connection between the control box and optical fiber, requiring frequent calibration and potential reflection of excitation light, which affects the power monitor and detection unit.
Innovation Solution
An optical connector with two portions, where one portion is detachably coupled to the light separator and the other to the laser and detector units, using single or few-mode optical fibers for stable light transmission and a larger core multimode fiber for alignment ease, ensuring low loss and constant power delivery, allowing for quick detachment and sterilization of the endoscope head.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a detachable optical connector is used between the control box and optical fiber, then the endoscope head can be easily detached for cleaning, but joint loss occurs at the connection interface affecting power monitor accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The optical connection system is divided into two detachable portions: a first portion connected to the light separator and optical fiber, and a second portion connected to the laser and detector units. This segmentation allows the endoscope head to be easily detached for cleaning while maintaining low joint loss through precise alignment features at each connection interface.
Solution Approach 2:
The detachable optical connector acts as an intermediary component between the control box and optical fiber. It includes alignment features and coupling mechanisms that minimize joint loss while enabling easy detachment and reattachment, thus resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and energy loss.
2Loss of energy
If a single mode fiber connection is used, then low loss is achieved for both excitation and return light, but the connection affects mode mix causing image instability and noise
Solution Approach 1:
The optical path is segmented into multiple fiber connections within the detachable connector. By using multiple fibers (including both single mode and multimode) in parallel or sequence, the system maintains low transmission loss while stabilizing the mode mix through controlled coupling between different fiber types.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical connector utilizes a composite fiber structure combining single mode fibers (for low loss excitation and return light transmission) and multimode fibers (for stabilizing mode mix). This composite approach allows the system to achieve both low transmission loss and mode mix stability simultaneously.
3Power
If the optical connection is made at the endoscope head, then power delivery is maintained, but reflection from the connection causes laser instability and image noise
Solution Approach 1:
The detachable optical connector serves as an intermediary with anti-reflection coatings and angled physical contacts (APC) at the connection interfaces. This design maintains power delivery while minimizing reflections that would otherwise cause laser instability and image noise.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector design changes the physical parameters of the optical interface, including the angle of the physical contact (APC) and the application of anti-reflection coatings. These parameter changes reduce reflection at the connection point while maintaining efficient power delivery through the optical fiber.
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
The solution provides stable and reliable optical connections, minimizing the need for frequent calibration, reducing noise and image instability, and maintaining consistent power delivery, while allowing for easy cleaning and sterilization of the endoscope head.
Implementation Method 1
using single or few-mode optical fibers for stable light transmission
Implementation Method 2
said first portion being optically couplable by first optical transmitter to a first input of said light separator and by second optical transmitter to a second input of said light separator
Data Source
AI summary
An optical connector for use with a light separator, the optical connector including a first portion and a second portion, the first portion being optically couplable by first optical transmitter to a first input of the light separator and by second optical transmitter to a second input of the light separator. The first and second portions are detachably couplable to couple the first and second optical transmitter to third and fourth optical transmitters, respectively, provided in or coupled to the second portion. The first and second inputs of the light separator can thereby be optically coupled to a first optical instrument coupled to the third optical transmitter and a second optical instrument coupled to the fourth optical transmitter.