Optical Coupling Efficiency Detection Assembly for Ophthalmic Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
During the assembly of ophthalmic endo-illumination systems, factors such as position and tilt adjustments can cause a loss of coupling efficiency of the light beam into the optical fiber probe, leading to misalignment and reduced performance.
Innovation Solution
An optical coupling efficiency detection assembly is introduced, comprising a first housing with a beam splitter and a fiber port, a second housing with a monitoring fiber, and an attachment block that maintains a parfocal arrangement among these components, using abutment pads and bonding adhesive to secure precise alignment and immobilize the housings, ensuring optimal coupling efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If position and tilt adjustments are made during assembly, then alignment can be optimized, but coupling efficiency is lost due to movement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing alignment optimization before final assembly through a detection assembly that measures coupling efficiency during the alignment process. The condenser and beam splitter are adjusted to optimal positions while the system is accessible, and then the assembly is permanently fixed. This prevents subsequent movement that would degrade coupling efficiency, as the optimal alignment is established and locked in before the assembly becomes immutable.
2Reliability
If the assembly is fixed to maintain coupling position, then coupling efficiency is maintained, but adjustment capability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves this contradiction by performing all necessary adjustments and optimizations before final fixation. The detection assembly enables measurement and optimization of coupling efficiency while components are still adjustable. Once optimal alignment is achieved, the assembly is permanently fixed, maintaining both the optimized coupling efficiency and the ability to make adjustments during the assembly process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies feedback through a detection assembly that provides real-time measurement of coupling efficiency during the assembly process. This feedback mechanism allows operators to monitor alignment quality and make precise adjustments to the condenser and beam splitter positions. The feedback continues until optimal coupling efficiency is achieved, at which point the assembly is fixed, ensuring both adaptability during assembly and stability in final operation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple components are assembled together, then system functionality is achieved, but alignment precision deteriorates due to cumulative errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the intermediary principle by introducing a detection assembly as a mediator between the multiple optical components (light source, condenser, beam splitter, optical fiber). This intermediary device provides a unified reference frame and measurement capability that allows all components to be aligned relative to a common standard, preventing cumulative alignment errors. The detection assembly measures coupling efficiency and guides adjustments, ensuring that each component is precisely positioned relative to the others rather than allowing errors to accumulate through sequential assembly.
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 stabilizes the alignment of optical components, maintaining optimal coupling efficiency during assembly and operation, reducing misalignment issues and enhancing the reliability of light beam transmission in ophthalmic endo-illumination systems.
Implementation Method 1
The beam splitter is configured to split the light beam into a first beam which is coupled into an optical fiber at the fiber port and a second beam which is coupled into the monitoring fiber at the ferrule
Implementation Method 2
a condenser configured to direct a light beam into the beam splitter
Implementation Method 3
a ferrule enclosing a monitoring fiber
Implementation Method 4
coupled into an optical fiber at the fiber port
Data Source
AI summary
An optical coupling efficiency detection assembly includes a first housing accommodating a beam splitter and a fiber port, a second housing accommodating a ferrule enclosing a monitoring fiber, and an attachment block attaching the first housing to the second housing to establish a parfocal arrangement among the beam splitter, the fiber port, and the ferrule. Further, an assembly method for the optical coupling efficiency detection assembly is disclosed. The assembly method may include providing a beam splitter and a fiber port in a first housing, providing a ferrule enclosing a monitoring fiber in a second housing, and attaching the second housing to the first housing via an attachment block to establish a parfocal arrangement among the beam splitter, the fiber port, and the ferrule.